Judo family tackle Aussie

TROPHY HUNTER: WHS student Keightley Watson already has the Australian ACT and Queensland judo titles in the bag and is aiming to add the Sydney International title in his grade.

Three young Wanganui Judo Club fighters have their sights set firmly on the Sydney International at the Olympic Stadium in September.

All three are from the well-known Watson judo family and heavily in-form for the upcoming challenge.

Keightley Watson won gold and bronze at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Judo Championships in Tauranga at the weekend, while younger sibling Callaghan won gold at the primary school competition running in conjunction.

Keightley at just 15 is fighting rivals up to 18, while Callagham at 11 also punches above his weight.

In Tauranga Keightley won gold in the 81kg+ weight group, then claimed bronze in the open weight division. Given he was one of the youngest competitors at the secondary schools tournament, it a great result.

Callaghan's gold topped off a successful weekend for the brothers.

While both will be forces to be reckoned with in Australia, Keightley in particular, will be favoured in his division. This year he has already claimed the ACT and Queensland Opens in his grade.

Another WHS student, older cousin Kasey Watson (17) was selected to compete at this year's Oceania tournament, but decided not to go. He is, however, keen to tackle the Australians in September.

(Wanganui Chronicle article on 12/7/16)