Toronto 2015 preview: Judo

Competition dates: 12-14 August

Venue: Abilities Centre

Athletes:

Medal events: 13

Tickets: Adults from CAD 20 / U16 & 64+ CAD 15

Buy judo tickets here at Ticketmaster

Introduction

Cuba won five out of 11 gold medals at the Guadalajara 2011 Parapan American Games but will face stiff competition in Toronto from Brazilian, Mexican and US judoka.

Three judoka to look out for:

William Lopes Montero (Venezuela)

Montero took bronze in the men’s +100kg four years ago in Guadalajara. He is currently ranked eighth in the world and to better his performance from Guadalajara 2011 he is likely to have to beat Brazil’s world No.2 Willians Araujo and Cuba’s defending champion and world No.9 Yangaliny Jimenez Dominguez.

Dalidaivis Rodriguez Clark (Cuba)

Rodriguez Clark will celebrate her 32nd birthday on the day of the Toronto 2015 Opening Ceremony and was one of five Cuban gold medallists in judo at the 2011 Parapans. Currently the top ranked judoka in the women’s -63kg class in the America and a gold medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Dartanyon Crockett (USA)

Wrestler turned judoka Crockett captured the world’s attention when he starred in ESPN’s Outside the Lines programme. He won bronze in the men’s -90kg class at London 2012 and is currently ranked fourth in the world, one place ahead of Argentinian rival Jorge Lencia.

The sport

Judo encompasses throwing and groundwork techniques, and in its evolution from a fighting art, emphasizes balance, reflex, power, flexibility and coordination.

Judo matches last five minutes for men and four minutes for women; scores are awarded for different throws and holds, with the objective of scoring an ippon or more points than the competitor.

The venue

The Abilities Centre, which opened its doors in June 2012, is a state-of-the-art community facility that sets new standards in Ontario and Canada for accessibility and inclusive and innovative programs that enable people of all abilities and ages to lead healthy, active lives.

It is one of the five venue clusters TO2015 will use to host the 2015 Parapan American Games.

It will host judo and boccia competition during the Games

Gates open one hour before competition.