The Jamaica Star :: Sport :: Dussard looking to the next level

by Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

Nicholas Dussard - file

NICHOLAS DUSSARD started summer with a bang, winning back-to-back individual black-belt gold medals at the recent International Sports Karate Association United States Open in Orlando, Florida, two months after winning the International Tae Kwon-do Federation Pan-Am lightweight title in Brazil.

The 18-year-old's feat was unprecedented, his lightweight senior gold eclipsing the junior gold he won at the event last year.

The Wolmer's Boys sixth-former was the only gold medal-winning adult from the Jamaican contingent, which excelled at the biggest martial-arts open in the world.

Build on career

Dussard told STAR Sports he was elated at his feat and hopes to build on his young career.

"It was fantastic to win two years in a row," he told STAR Sports yesterday while awaiting a flight from the Norman Manley International Airport, as he and two other Jamaicans, Tashauna Grannum and Kenneth Edwards, are due to train and compete in Olympic-style tae kwon-do fighting in New York.

"I hope I can continue on that trend and make it three, four, five titles," he added.

"You have to prove yourself over and over. One title doesn't make you the best and you have to continue proving to yourself and others."

Unlike 2007 when he fought hard to win his first title at the US Open, Dussard didn't face nor land a blow in Orlando.

His opponent in the final, pulled out after barely surviving Dussard's teammate, Alrick Wanliss, in his semi-final, and was in no shape to face the other Jamaican.

Overcome rival

Dussard said he had no doubt he would have easily got past his rival.

"He fought my teammate Alrick Wanliss and had a warm time. I watched his technique and he wouldn't have bothered me much," Dussard said.

"I am a bit bigger and stronger than him, plus, I have a longer reach and better technique," he added.

Dussard's next big assignment will be the International Tae Kwon-do Federation World Cup in Italy in October and he's also geared for the World Championships next May in Argentina.

Drop weight

Dussard weighed in at 143lb for the US Open but has no intention of moving up in weight class. Instead, he will have to drop three pounds to compete as a lightweight in ITF tournaments, such as the World Cup and World Championships.

"The ITF weight division is below that of the US Open, which is 149lb. For the ITF, it is below 139," he explained.

"For me to win those competitions, I will have to make weight below 139. It wouldn't make sense stepping up in weight class for the US Open then having to drop significantly for ITF tournaments."