Greenhouse Judo Coach, Winston Gordon, had the crowd behind him when he competed for Team GB at the Olympic Games.
Winston, who coaches at Ernest Bevin College in Tooting, had the crowd cheering and chanting in support when he represented Team GB in the Under 90kg category on Wednesday (1 August).
The 36-year-old breezed through the first elimination round with an amazing ippon over Canadian Alexandre Emond with 3.17 min left on the clock.
Half and hour later and Winston was back fighting for glory in the second elimination round against Russian star Kirikk Denisov.
After 1.15 min, Winston’s dominating style led 24-year-old Denisov to a Yuko score, putting him one point ahead of Winston.
With the roar of the home crowd behind him, Winston went on the offensive but trailed 1-0 heading into the final few seconds and was unfortunately knocked out by world number seven seed.
Twitter and other social media sites were flooded by support for the three-time Olympian and Commonwealth gold medallist who has inspired and coaches hundreds of judo participants in South London.
Among them is Adam, a sixth former at the school who Winston has helped become U81kg Junior National Champion.
Winston, said: “Judo gives young people the discipline and self-confidence to engage with a wide range of people from all walks of life. It promotes tolerance and discipline – and young people notice the positive difference on the mat, in the classroom and at home.”
If you missed any of the action you can watch Winston’s rounds in full via the BBC website, videos 5 and 12.
