Nova Scotian wins silver in judo

Sarah Kraus, Staff Contributor

Editor’s Note: Sarah Kraus is a Kings’ journalism student and multi-sport athlete. She volunteered as a media representative at the Canada Games, and was based at Saint Mary’s University. She also writes for the Gazette.

Brent McDonald is walking away from the Saint Mary’s University Tower with a silver medal wrapped around his neck after an unexpectedly strong showing in men’s judo.

With only two years of judo experience under his belt, the Port Hawkesbury native brought smiles to the faces of the Nova Scotian fans in the bleachers as he earned his province’s third judo medal.

McDonald won three of his four bouts in the over 100 kilogram class, losing only to gold medallist Tommy Hebert-Lemiuex from Quebec.

While that bout ended quickly, with Hebert-Lemiuex executing an impressive flip, McDonald’s other games were more drawn out.

In his second bout of the day, he received medical attention for a cut lip, which left him bandaged up as he pulled out a narrow victory over his opponent from Nunavut.

McDonald’s fitness gave him an advantage in his third bout, against Manitoba’s Tarek Elmayergi, who looked exhausted as he tried to ward off McDonald’s advances.

Elmayergi pounded his fist into the mat in frustration after being defeated, but would later find himself going home with a bronze medal.

McDonald’s final bout of the day lasted the full four minutes, and both competitors seemed fatigued, posturing at times, trying to catch their breath and strategically time their attacks.

A huge cheer went up from the crowd after McDonald’s third victory, upon realizing he had earned a podium finish.

McDonald’s teammates did not fare as well on this day, as all five of them failed to crack the top four in their respective classes.