Jamaican combat sports athlete Matthew Colqhoun made a triumphant return to the international stage, capturing his fourth Pan American Combat Sambo title at the Pan American Sambo and Combat Sambo Championships held in Brazil from August 23-25. Competing in the 88 kg men’s Combat Sambo category, Colqhoun overcame fierce competition to secure the gold medal, reaffirming his status as one of the top athletes in the sport.
Colqhoun, who had taken a break from combat sports to focus on other aspects of his life, expressed his joy and renewed passion for competition after his victory. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, he shared the emotions that led him back to the sport and the fulfilment of representing Jamaica on such a significant stage.
"I have been away from combat sport for a little while, I felt I really needed a break to focus on other things and aspects in my life," Colqhoun wrote. "Recently I got the opportunity to represent Jamaica in the Pan American Sambo and Combat Sambo Championships which was held in Brazil over the past weekend. The atmosphere, energy, and experience of this event really lit a fire inside of me, reminding me of the excitement and adrenaline that competitive sport gives you."
Entering the competition with no expectations beyond enjoying the moment and doing his best, Colqhoun’s journey culminated in a gold medal match where he emerged victorious. His win not only marked a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Jamaica, as he added another gold to his collection.
"I went there with no expectations other than to enjoy the moment and to do my best. By the end of the competition, I worked myself into the finals, which I won gold for my country," he continued. "The Most High is just so amazing. Thanks go out to @sambo_fias for organizing this event, and thanks to @jamaicasambojscsf for selecting me to represent my country, and to @jamaicaolympic for their support. This is my 4th Gold Medal in the Pan American Games."
Colqhoun's victory places him atop the podium once again, with Erwin Brad Calderon Vaca from Ecuador taking the silver medal, and Juan Pablo Doti from Uruguay and Jose Molina from Honduras sharing the bronze.
The Jamaican's return to combat sports has reinvigorated his passion for competition, and his success in Brazil serves as a reminder of his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. With four Pan American titles under his belt, Colqhoun continues to be a formidable force in the world of Combat Sambo, proudly flying the Jamaican flag on the international stage.\
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Wembanyama stars for France in overtime Olympics win against Japan
Victor Wembanyama scored eight of his 18 points in overtime to ensure France edged Japan 94-90 to maintain their unbeaten start at the Paris Olympics.
Japan looked set to cause an unlikely upset against the hosts, but Matthew Strazel's four-point play with 10 seconds of the fourth quarter remaining spared their blushes.
"The shot of his life," Wembanyama said on Strazel's shot that sent the game into overtime at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille.
Wembanyama then took centre stage, scoring the first eight points of overtime to give France a 92-84 cushion.
Japan would battle back and got to within two points of their opponents, but the home team were able to close out the contest at the free throw line.
Wembanyama also finished with 11 rebounds and six assists, and recalled the moment when the encounter changed in overtime.
"The realisation, the dynamic of the game," Wembanyama said.
"They were playing like underdogs and we were waiting for them to punch a little bit too much. I wanted to make a point and punch first in overtime. And it worked."
France remained in second place in Group B behind fellow unbeaten nation Germany, with the pair squaring off this Friday to see who will finish on top.
Dennis Schroder starred for Germany in the final game on Tuesday, as the Brooklyn Nets point guard notched 20 points and six assists in their 86-73 win over Brazil.
'I knew it would be a good day' - Wembanyama stars as France win Olympic basketball opener
Victor Wembanyama says he "knew it was going to be a good day" after starring for France in their 78-66 victory over Brazil in Group B.
Despite a slow start by the hosts, which saw them trailing early in the second quarter, Wembanyama helped to steady their nerves in Lille.
The NBA Rookie of the Year last season came away with 19 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three blocked shots as he inspired his nation in front of a sell-out crowd.
France did not fully seal the victory until late on though, with Nicolas Batum's 3-pointer putting them up by 10 with less than a minute and a half remaining before Wembanyama's dunk made sure of the points in the next possession.
"I knew it was going to be a good day," he said.
"You can't underestimate the power of the crowd, the home crowd. I think it's really going to be the sixth man for this whole tournament."
Meanwhile, team-mate Evan Fournier was quick to heap praise on the 20-year-old after the game.
"I think he did pretty damn good," he said. "He can do so many things that sometimes it's like a burden because he doesn't focus on just one thing."
France will face Japan in their second game of Group B on Tuesday before their final match against Germany.
Savinho joins Man City on five-year deal
Manchester City have completed the signing of Savinho from Troyes on a five-year deal.
The Brazil international is Pep Guardiola's first arrival ahead of the 2024-25 season, in which City will look to extend their unprecedented four-year hold on the Premier League trophy.
Savinho played a key role during a loan spell with Girona last term, his 11 goals and 10 assists helping them to a third-place finish in LaLiga and qualification to the Champions League for the first time in their history.
The 20-year-old, who was part of Brazil's recent Copa America campaign, will wear the number 26 shirt at the Etihad Stadium, and could make his debut in the Community Shield clash with Manchester United on August 10.
"I'm so happy to be joining Manchester City, the Premier League champions and Club World Cup winners," he told the club's official website. "Everyone knows they are the best team in the world right now, so to be here is very exciting for me.
"I'm excited about the chance to work under Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest coaches ever, and someone I know will help me improve even more.
"I had an amazing time in Spain, and I'm looking forward to a new challenge of playing in the Premier League and alongside some of the best players in the world.
"I can't wait to meet the fans and my new team-mates and hopefully be a part of bringing more success to City."
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