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OkillSports 24SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2011Black belt wins first world judo title at age 77By Jon KuiperijBEAVER SPORTS EDITORGrowing up in a poor family in Belgium, Herman Vermeiren didnt have the opportunity to begin judo at a young age.Now, even at 77 years old, he continues to make up for lost time.thThe 5dan black belt not only still competes in the sport, hes the best in the world in his age and weight class. Vermeiren won the 75-80 mens 90-kilogram division at the Grand Masters Judo World Championships recently in Frankfurt, Germany, earning his first world title after finish-ing second the past three years.Its, for myself, quite an accom-With all the plishment, Vermeiren said. There aches and pains Iwere about 1,200 participants from get, a lot ofacross the world in Frankfurt, in all people would give different divisions.up. But it's a willIn my division, there were five. Were the last ones standing up, I to keep going.IfIguess, he added with a laugh. You stop, I'm going tohave to be in good physical shape to be an old man.do what we accomplish. Thats for sure. Herman VermeirenVermeiren attributed the world gold medal to the experience hes gained through 50 years in the sport. He beat Germanys George Johannes Reinartz the strongest guy Ive ever met in my life in the final by utilizing a defensive strategy.For every throw, theres a counter or a defensive move, ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVERVermeiren said. This championship, I won on experience. Theres no doubt whatsoever.BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: Herman Vermeiren recently won his first-ever judo world championship, claiming gold in theVermeiren doesnt spend much time working on his tech-75-80 men's 90-kilogram class at the Grand Masters Judo World Championships in Germany. nique anymore. That might be because hes too busy coach-Vermeiren, whose father was an Olympic champion withexercises all the time, it felt like someone was getting theiring youngsters five nights a week at several clubs in the the Belgium national soccer team in the 1920s, also plays soc-hands on me and clamping me down. I felt like I was shrink-area.cer every Sunday morning in a Burlington recreational leagueing, he chuckled.Judo is a way of life, he said. (People) ask Why at 77 do he co-founded 27 years ago.But the occasional pain is well worth it.you still keep going and let these young guys throw you Remaining so active sometimes takes its toll on VermeirensWith all the aches and pains I get, a lot of people wouldaround? My aim is more that I give back what I got from judo body.give up. But its a will to keep going, Vermeiren said.all my life, all the pleasure Its a fulfilling feeling that you A few years back, one morning I got up and I said WhatIf I stop, Im going to be an old man. Thats the way I lookcan contribute and you coach and you want the kids you the heck is happening to me? Even though I did sports andat it. And right now, Im still doing good.coached to be better than you ever were.CHARITY AUCTION100% OF PROCEEDS DONATED TO CNIBBIDDING BEGINS FRIDAY, JULY 1ST AT 9:00AM. CLOSES FRIDAY, JULY 8TH AT 4:30PMUFC CHAMPIONBRUNCH FOR 4 WITHFOURSOME IN123WALTER GRETZKYGEORGES ST.-PIERREWALTER GRETZKYAutographed Print & Autographed At East Side Marios. Then back to Walters CNIB GOLF CLASSICGlove. Retail Value $240home to view Waynes trophy and sports With Walter as your Celebrity. Retail memorabilia. Retail Value $400 Value $2,000. Reserve Bid at $1,800OPENING BID $24OPENING BID $40OPENING BID $200BID ONLINE ATPARTNERSHIP WITH THEwww.brantnews.comMore Information call 519-753-3486 or cnibgretzkygolf@sympatico.caCOMPLETE DETAILS ON EACH ITEM ONLINE.S00014117