Photo Credit: Team South Africa, Anton Geyser
Thomas Breytenbach’s journey through the world of judo is a testament to dedication, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the sport. From his early days as a young boy discovering the art of judo to representing South Africa on the global stage, Breytenbach’s story is one of challenges, successes, and a deep-rooted love for the discipline.
Reflecting on his journey, Breytenbach speaks with gratitude for the opportunities and achievements he’s experienced. “From the countless hours of training to the sacrifices I’ve made along the way, judo has been a constant in my life since I was a young boy,” he shares, highlighting the foundational role judo has played in shaping his character and life.
One of the defining moments in Breytenbach’s career was his selection to compete in the prestigious Commonwealth Games. “One of the best moments of my career so far was being selected to compete in the Commonwealth Games,” he recalls, emphasizing the honour and validation that came with such a significant opportunity.
“Having the Olympic Committee say that they think you’re good enough for them to select you and send you is an incredible honour.”
However, Breytenbach’s journey also includes moments of adversity. He reflects on one of the lowest points in his career during the last African Games, where despite rigorous preparation, he fell short of his expectations. “It was demotivating, to say the least,” he admitted. Yet, this setback served as a humbling experience, reinforcing the unpredictability of sports and the need for resilience in the face of challenges.
“In judo, it’s always very easy to keep a level head and not get too arrogant because you don’t stay at the top for very long,” Breytenbach reflects, underscoring the humbling nature of the sport. “You could be ranked number one in the world one day and lose to someone ranked 250th the next day.”
Despite the challenges, Breytenbach’s determination and discipline remain unwavering. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding complacency and maintaining a focused mindset in pursuit of greatness.
“Complacency kills, and it’s important not to get too comfortable in your environment,” he asserts, highlighting the continuous strive for improvement that defines his approach to judo.
Representing South Africa on the global stage is a source of immense pride for Breytenbach. “It’s an incredible honour to have the opportunity to represent my beautiful nation on the world stage,” he expresses passionately.
Despite the financial challenges faced by South African athletes, Breytenbach remains committed to elevating the sport in his home country and advocating for greater support and recognition for judo athletes.
“In the long term, one of my biggest goals is to see judo grow in South Africa and become more of a state-sponsored sport like it is in many European countries.”
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Breytenbach also navigates the demands of being a full-time student. Balancing judo training with academic responsibilities has its challenges, but Breytenbach’s dedication and support from his university have allowed him to excel both on and off the mat.
“There’s always something to do, but once you get into a routine, it becomes easier. I’m very lucky that the university I’m at makes accommodations for athletes, so I can miss up to 50% of my lectures to make way for competitions or training,” Breytenbach said.
Looking ahead, Breytenbach has clear goals in mind for his judo career. “In the short term, I would love to become African champion,” he states ambitiously. “If that’s all I achieve in my sporting career, then I would consider it a great success, especially for a South African judo athlete.”
As he continues his journey, Breytenbach hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the world of judo. “That’s the legacy I want to leave behind when my career comes to an end,” he asserts, envisioning a future where his name is mentioned among the greatest South African judo athletes of all time.
“Competing for Team SA is one of the most wonderful things you can do in life. You’re just so happy and proud to have that flag on your chest. If I could represent my country for the rest of my life, I would,” Breytenbach said.
Furthermore, he envisions a future where judo in South Africa receives the support and recognition it deserves, enabling athletes to compete at the highest levels globally.
“If we can give athletes with potential a salary or financial backing, the sport will explode in South Africa. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be the best in the world in judo as well,” Breytenbach said.
With his relentless passion, unwavering discipline, and drive to make a difference, Thomas Breytenbach is well on his way to achieving these ambitions and leaving an indelible mark on the sport he holds dear.
You can be a vital part of propelling Thomas forward on his incredible journey by donating to his cause through his crowdfunding campaign. Click here now to ignite his adventure and make a difference!
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