SA Judoka Whitebooi learned to fight her heart out at Paris Olympics

JOHANNESBURG –  South African judoka Geronay Michaela Whitebooi’s medal hopes were dashed this weekend at the Paris Olympics.

Whitebooi was taken down by her Japanese opponent Natsumi Tsunado in the last 16 of the judo competition in the under-48kg division.

READ: 'I have been my own toughest opponent': Whitebooi ahead of African Games

“The fight against Solis taught me that I need time to find myself on the mat, so I need to get into the fight faster. The fight against Tsunado taught me to believe in myself and fight my heart out, no matter if she is the world champion” said Whitebooi.

The athlete says the sadness of the fight not going her way was taken away by her mother’s embrace.

“The best moment at the Olympics was seeing my mum the day after she arrived in Paris. I got a hug from my mum after my competition, and it just made my sadness go away. I got to spend the day with her after my competition and as it is her first international travel it was the best gift to her.”

This were her second Olympic Games and in reaching the last 16 after beating Argentina’s Jacqueline Solis in her opening contest, she had bettered her return from Tokyo 2020.

“I am truly honoured to represent South Africa at this level of competition. It was my dream for 4 years to be here, and I have achieved my goal.”
 
The athlete began her Judo journey with the Booysens Park Judo Club at the tender age of 10. Her talent would see her moving to attend Tuks Sport High School in 2010.

“There are many lessons I learnt, especially from my losses and failures along the way. But, the most important lesson is don't be so hard on yourself, this is a journey and today might not be good, tomorrow may also be a bit bad, but your day of victory will come. You just have to believe in yourself and keep pushing no matter how difficult it may seem.”

Opening up to Eyewitness News, the athlete from Booysens Park in Gqeberha said that she had received tremendous support from the judo community in South Africa and her community back home throughout her career.

“When I heard that my mum was coming, I started crying. Gsport, Momentum, and Air France have made my Olympics the best competition in my life. My mum is my true role model and having her by my side is a blessing.”

Whitebooi won silver in her first competition in 2007 at the SA Championships. In April 2019, the judoka won gold at the 40th African Judo Championship, becoming the first South African woman to win Judo Gold at the Champs in 20 years.

The Judoka wishes the rest of Team SA well as the Olympics continue until 11 August.

“The road is not easy, but the dream is not impossible. Put in all in God's hands, and he will make it happen. You have worked for this moment, give it everything you have, and make yourself proud.”

She claimed a gold medal in the 48kg category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2022 Senior African Judo Championships.