Taylor Takata, a member of the 'Iolani class of 2000 became the first judoka from Hawaii to go to the Olympics in twelve years when he won the 145.5 men's judo division on Friday in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He was encouraged by a 50 person cheering section from Hawaii, and, according to the Honolulu Advertiser, said after his big win, "They made me feel like I could do it. It's humbling to see how many people came to support me."
When at 'Iolani, before judo became an ILH sport, Takata was a premier wrestler, winning a state championship in that demanding sport while continuing to perfect his judo skills at the same time.
Read the full Advertiser story here:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080614/SPORTS22/806140342/1032
To see additional photos, click here:
http://lbsphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/5164155_MhJuC#312744842_z6Hf8
