After exploding onto the IJF Tour in 2018, Shady El Nahas has been a man on a mission, that mission being standing atop the Tokyo 2020 podium and Olympic glory.
His progression has been somewhat unstoppable and with a steadfast belief in his ability Shady has rapidly developed into a true contender for Tokyo 2020. During the qualification period he has been one of the most consistent performers for Canada, winning numerous Grand Prix and Grand Slam medals and two Pan American championships on route to this years world championships.
As a seeded athlete in Budapest, he automatically progressed to the second round to await his first opponent.
It did not take him long to find his rhythm, efficiently progressing past each opponent using a combination of incredible throwing ability and lightning fast newaza transition, beating Borodavko (LAT), Imala (EST) and Adamian (RJF) in the preliminary rounds.
After his semi-final loss to Kukolj (SRB), El Nahas would face Sulamanidze of Georgia for the bronze medal contest and a place on the world podium. This match started with real intensity and continued for the whole match, with both judoka engaging every exchange looking for the decisive score.
After an enthralling back and forth match, with scores removed from each athlete, the deadlock was broken in Golden score by an opportunistic counter from the Georgian. Shady was tremendous throughout the championships and his performance today clearly deserved much more than fifth place result.
Though while tinged with disappointment not to take his first world championship medal, this result has effectively secured his nomination to represent Team Canada at Tokyo 2020. With the opportunity to take to the tatami again in a few weeks time, this result will motivate him further and we will not be remotely surprised to see him step onto the Olympic podium in July.
Congratulations Shady El Nahas!! Fantastic Performance! The best is yet to come!