Three medals for Canada in judo at the Commonwealth Games

Canada raised its medal tally to 57 after the sixth day of competition at the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday, helped by a strong performance in judo as the athletes took home two gold and one silver.

Shadi El Nahas first defeated Ontarian teammate Kyle Reyes in the 100kg final to win the gold medal in the class, dropping Reyes to second on the podium. Brass had narrowly lost the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Laval-based Mark Deschen then won the gold in the over 100kg weight category by defeating New Zealander Cody Andrews.

“I’m very happy,” said Dechen, who planned to celebrate with a glass or two of beers Thursday night. “I finished second at the Pan-American Games and at the Jeux de la Francophonie, and it’s nice not to get second place again, but first.”

Al-Nahhas’ victory came 24 hours after his brother Mohab also won the bronze medal in judo. With two Canadians in the final, the head coach of the Canadian delegation was not in the Judoki players’ corner in this final duel. Shadi called his older brother for advice.

Copper now aspires to become the world champion in Uzbekistan in October.

“I came close to winning it last year,” said Al-Nahhas, who lost in the semi-finals.

“I think I am getting better every year, and in a couple of months I will be the first (men) world champion for Canada.”

Since the start of the Commonwealth Games, Canada has collected eight medals in judo, placing it behind England (13) and Australia (10).

“I think[Canadian judo]is a lot stronger than before,” said Reyes, who hugged his friend and competitor L. Nahas after their fight.

“Young people are getting stronger. I think it will continue to get stronger and stronger.”

In swimming, four-time Olympic medalist Kylie Maas of Ontario won the gold in the 50-meter backstroke with a record time at the Commonwealth Games. She then contributed to Canada’s silver in the women’s 4x100m medley relay.

British Columbian Nick Bennett won the 200-meter freestyle, and Toronto’s Josh Lindo won the bronze in the 50-meter freestyle.

Sarah Mitton of Nova Scotia won the women’s shot put competition, while Holly Naughton, who was born in England but now lives in Mississauga, Ontario, became the first Canadian to reach the podium at the Commonwealth Games in squash, thanks to a silver medal.

With 57 medals, Canada ranked third. Australia leads with 123, followed by England with 105.

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