Years of haŕd work and dedication have paid off for local athlete Paxton Nelson. The 13 year old grade eight St Margaret's student won a bronze medal in the U16 category at the 2022 Canadian Open Judo Championships this past Saturday in Montreal.
“It was good to win bronze but at the same time it was a little bit disappointing I was hoping to win gold. I am glad to have won bronze but at same time I could have done better but I also have humility and it was good to win bronze,” the soft spoken Nelson told MJ Independent.
“I’m humble in doing as well as I did but you know we all like to do better.”
He described the other eight competitors he faced as strong in the sport.
Nelson, who trains out of Moose Jaw's Control Judo Club, said on average he trains for about 20 hours per week. But the training time varies depending on his school work.
This is Nelson's first trip to the national championships but he had been in Montreal before in 2021 for the Quebec Open.
Nelson said he started Judo when he was seven years old because his dad Jeff was involved in the sport.
Nelson admits at first he was not enthused with the sport - especially the hard work and dedication necessary - but as he progressed in the sport his attitude changed.
“When I first started Judo at age seven with my dad training in the garage I use to think ‘what is the point.’ Then I started to practice lots and I can now see my hard work is paying off. “
Training out of Control's River Street West gym Nelson participates in both Control Jiu Jitsu and Control Judo programs.
He sees both programs as complimenting each other.
“I’m better at Judo but the Jiu Jitsu helps with my Judo a lot and Judo really helps with my Jiu Jitsu vise versa.”
Asked if he had to think about it what are the odds of someone from a small city training in their garage with their dad plus a local club medaling at a national championship?
Nelson replied thinking about it made him feel very proud of his accomplishment.
“Yes its a good thing.”
Future plans for Nelson is to continue with more intensive Judo training in hopes of someday claiming U18 gold Canadian national gold and a trip to the world championships.
“It’s just two years of hard work away.”
