Black History Month In Judo
Celebrating great success within our sport
Founded over thirty if not more years ago, Black History Month has been continuously celebrating fantastic individuals and their achievements – giving them the recognition they deserve. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the greats within our sport, new and old – how many do you know? Let’s jump right in!
Densign White
A name many people know within the sport, Densign reached the Olympics three times and was in 1987 a World Championship Bronze Medalist in Essen. He also took three European medals and then later finished fifth in the Olympic Games too – so you could say, he was a very strong contestant! After competing he then went into administration within the British Judo Association and was actually the Chairman of the BJA for 11 years from 2001 to 2012. Densign is now the Chairman of Sporting Equals, which works to promote ethnic diversity in UK Sport, a role that has recently seen him appointed MBE in the 2020 Birthday Honours list for Diversity within Sport.
Kerrith Brown
Kerrith at the Los Angeles Olympics won bronze in the -71KG category, defeating the phenomenal judoka Nakanishi (JPN) in the bronze medal fight. The medals didn’t stop there as Brown then went on to win a bronze medal at the 1987 World Championship in Essen. Brown was also Chairman of the British Judo Association and it was under his leadership that the Centre of Excellence at Wolverhampton University was opened.
Sharon Lee
In 1988 Sharon took a fantastic Bronze Medal at the European Open and won the title in 1990. Additionally claiming Silver at the Belgrade World Championships in 1989. Working on her skills and refining her talent she then went on to more amazing achievements such as winning the European team title with the British team and the double at the Commonwealth Games in 1990.
Dennis Stewart
Stewart was also an incredible judoka to watch, gaining a bronze at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games in the 95kg category, Dennis has now gone onto become a great coach within the Centre of Excellence.
Peter Cousins
World championship silver medalist in 2007, a performance which helped him to bag a spot at the Bejing Games in 2008 – his first siting on the Olympic level. In addition to the World silver, Peter also claimed a European bronze at the 2006 championship.
Nekoda Smythe-Davis
With a fantastic career to date, Nekoda continues to be one of the most inspirational young ladies in the sport. Two World Championship medals, silver in Baku 2018 and bronze at Budapest 2017. Nekoda also volunteered to help in the 2012 Olympic Games before she was selected to represent the country at the following Olympic Games in Rio.
Behind all of these competitors and inspirations, are fantastic people. If you ever see them on the competitive seen be sure to compliment them and ask them for a photo! Devoting their time and effort to the sport we all love, inspiration to us all.
