GLASGOW, SCOTLAND — Donne Breytenbach secured a bronze medal for South Africa in the women’s -57kg judo division on Friday, July 31st, marking Day 1 of the judo competition at the 2026 Commonwealth Games (Day 8 overall).
Breytenbach was the first of four South African judokas to take to the mats(Other three will be in action tomorrow) at Glasgow 2026, and she delivered an impressive performance at SEC Hall 4. Her medal is a significant achievement for Team SA, as it is only the second medal the nation has secured outside of the swimming pool, where they have dominated with 22 medals.
Breytenbach’s journey to the podium began with a lightning-fast victory in the quarterfinals. Wearing white, she defeated Zambia’s Sylvia Nawila by Ippon (100-0) in a mere 35 seconds.
The semi-final bout presented a tougher challenge. Breytenbach faced India’s Yamini Mourya, who ultimately claimed victory by Ippon (100-0) after 1 minute and 38 seconds. Mourya went on to secure the silver medal after being defeated by England’s Acelya Toprak in the final.
Undeterred by the semi-final loss, Breytenbach rallied for the Bronze Medal Contest. Facing Marie Begue of Mauritius, Breytenbach secured her second Ippon of the day, winning 100-0 in just 33 seconds to clinch the bronze.
Breytenbach’s success sets a positive tone for Team SA’s remaining judo competitors. The action continues tomorrow with three more South African athletes taking to the mats:
- Skye Knoester (Women -63 kg): Round of 16 | Mat 1, Match #8 vs. Elizabeth Odurogha (Ghana)
- Thomas-Laszlo Breytenbach (Men -90 kg): Round of 16 | Mat 2, Match #11 vs. Scott Cusack (Scotland)
- Timothy Meuwsen (Men -81 kg): Quarter-Final | Mat 2, Match #18 vs. TBD
Team SA will be looking to build on Breytenbach’s bronze and add to their medal tally in the coming days.
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
