Judo star overcomes weight challenges, deflating losses
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday January 19, 2018 14:36
Growing up in Ramotswa, martial arts was always in his mind, and took up judo.
Nine years ago, Mogopa joined judo at Lesedi Primary School. He was attracted to the sport due to the discipline and certain principles that it emphasises. It was however, not smooth sailing.
“I made my debut in judo under the watchful eye of Gilberto Feil. He was supportive and that made it easy for me to gel in. Feil treated us like his family. You know when you work with somebody like that it makes your job easier,” he explained.
Mogopa said that was one of the reasons he continued with judo. In 2009 he lost all his matches, which broke his heart, particularly when he saw other judokas carrying medals. But he was determined and did not give up.
“It made me hungry for success. I was determined to win and I did not look back. I told myself that if they can do it, I also had the potential to excel,” Mogopa said.
In 2010, the Botswana Judo Federation (BJF) held the National Championship, which was a qualifier for the South African Judo Open Championship. According to Mogopa, the winners in the BJF championship were to be selected to represent the country in South Africa.
“As young judokas this was the biggest platform for us. It was the biggest competition in the BJF calendar that I was about to compete in. I went all out and I won all my matches. I won in my category, which was a big achievement,” he said.
Later, the judoka started struggling with weight. He was underweight, which meant he could not compete in the International Judo Federation cadet categories. But the judoka did not let weight issues make him lose focus. In 2012, he gained weight and was able to hit the 50kg mark.
He said that gave him an opportunity to represent Botswana at the Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Games where he won a silver medal.
His hard work did not go unnoticed as he was selected to be part of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Mogopa was thrown into the team as a wild card.
“Competing at the Olympics is a dream come true for any athlete. It was the same thing for me. I shared the stage with the best judokas in the world. I did not go there expecting a medal, but to use the opportunity to gain experience,” he said. Mogopa was competing in the men’s 60 kg in Rio, and he was defeated in the second round. The 21-year-old Mogopa is currently based in Hungary where he is training full time. He said there is also an opportunity for him to study elsewhere. Apart from, judo, Mogopa is an able boxer.