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First World Judo Veterans Masters Championships
Hamilton Canada 1999
Hamilton Canada was the first nation in the world to host this prestigious history making
event. Here we are interviewing one of the first ever world champions to emerge from this
historic clash of the masters.
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First World Judo Veterans Masters Championships That was Dave Quinn for World Judo Organisation interviewing Bill Sargent
1999 U73kgs World Veteran Champion. We are pleased to announce
Bill Sargent also successfully retained his world title in 2000. Below
is an email I received concerning Bill Sargent. I thought it would be nice to
share it with you.
World Judo Champion (many times) Neil Adams congratulates Bill Sargent on winning Gold at
the World Judo Veterans Championships held at Hamilton">
Hamilton Canada 1999
Hamilton Canada was the first nation in the world to host this prestigious history making
event. Here we are interviewing one of the first ever world champions to emerge from this
historic clash of the masters.
World Judo Champion (many times) Neil Adams congratulates Bill Sargent on winning Gold at
the World Judo Veterans Championships held at Hamilton, Canada, 1999.
Photo by David Finch. Used with permission from D.J.K.
I had the privilege of interviewing Bill Sargent at Bexley Judokwai in Old Bexley Village
U.K. It went something like this:
World Judo; Hi Bill. Congratulations on your
excellent result. How's it going.
Bill; Hello Dave. Thanks. It's going O.K. I
was well pleased to win especially when I think it was the first time the competition was
ever hosted. In a few years it may be a very big competition with so many entrants it
would be much harder. I'm 55 years old now. It's a great feeling to know now my names up
there and up there to stay.
WJ; Bill, your very modest, Iv seen your technique and its brilliant.
Bill; Cheers Dave I will buy you a pint.
WJ; Bill seriously, did you find being in a competition of such stature
daunting.
Bill; I was terrified if I'm honest. But I
think that is helpful. It makes you faster and more alert.
WJ; Have you won any other competitions?
Bill; Yes. I have won a few now including
National Veterans, and British Masters.
WJ; What made you take judo up?
Bill; I have two sons that I felt could be
good at judo, so I encouraged them at a very young age and they stayed with it and so did
I. Both Danny and Bill (Junior) have been national champions many times and have regally
competed internationally for Great Britain.
WJ; Do you train a lot.
Bill; I wouldn't say a lot but I do as much
as I can. Usually at least a couple of times a week. I'm also into rugby and play quite a
lot which also helps keep me fit. I train mainly at Dartford Judo Kwai and have done so
more years than I can remember. That's also where my sons train. I also train here at
Bexley Judokwai when I can fit it in. They are a very friendly club here. Alan Roberts is
the senior coach at Dartford Judo Kwai and Andy Seffens is the senior coach at Bexley
Judokwai.
WJ; Which weight group did you compete in?
Bill; I entered the u73 kgs group. Which as
you know I won, but also for fun I entered the Open Weight as an after thought.
WJ; How did you do in the open weight?
Bill; I gave it a go but they where just to
heavy for me to move. To be honest I was so pleased to had got a result in my own weight,
I don't think my heart was really in it.
WJ; Bill, if you had to write a book on your judo life what would you
call it?
Bill; Bloody Lucky.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Sargent
at the recent World Master Athlete Championship in Arizona. I think I learned
more from him in a few minutes than I have learned in many years. Mr. Sargent,
who is a two time gold medalist at these games, had lost his first match and
then the gentleman that beat him lost. Mr. Sargent, by his demeanor and
graciousness, demonstrated that he is truly a champion and a gentleman. He
was happy to talk with a perfect stranger from another country, excited for
his fellow countrymen, and appeared delighted to just be a part of that
wonderful event. Sensei Kano had men like Mr. Sargent in mind when
he developed judo. It is a way of living, not a matter of trophies or medals.
Mr.Sargent, to me at least, exemplifies all that is good about judo and
amateur sportsmanship. On any given day, anyone can win. To be a champion, no
matter what,...that is harder. Mr. Sargent certainly exemplifies this. I hope
to see him next year in Londonderry..and perhaps buy him a pint or two. Neil Alex M.D.
If you have a result at your club that would make interesting news to others, don't worry
you don't have to be world champion, (club level is just as interesting to many of us)
then e-mail us with details and we will certainly do our best to include it with a photo
if you have one.
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