3.3.2023
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BY
Taylor Stewart
The host province is officially on the podium as Prince Edward Islands’ Lucas Macdonald claims the silver medal in Men’s Judo
On day 13 of the 2023 Canada Winter Games, the host province, Prince Edward Island, landed on the podium for the first time. Lucas Macdonald of Stratford, claimed the silver medal in the Men’s +81 kg Judo division Thursday afternoon.
Macdonald who has been in Judo for seven years now, went undefeated right up until he faced Quebec’s John Jr. Messé À Bessong. Messé À Bessong is a Panamerican Games junior champion, World Junior Champion and European Cadet Cup champion. While also holding over 100 lbs over Macdonald.
Macdonald knew the task was tall going into the fight but he knows sometimes life puts you in a David versus Goliath situation.
“You can’t be afraid. Sometimes you’re going to be the little guy. You have to accept the fact you’re not always going to be the biggest, not always going to be the strongest but you still have to go out there and do your best,” said Macdonald.
Throughout the whole tournament, Macdonald’s goal for gold never wavered.
“I was hoping for top dog. I wanted a podium finish, I would do anything to get there and I made sure that happened,” said Macdonald. “You can’t quit or settle for less. I was always going to aim for gold, ended up with silver but still fought and had fun.”
Macdonald had lots of support for him in the stands and was proud to be able to finally bring a medal home for P.E.I.
“Feels pretty good, an amazing feeling. I had a few family and friends in the stands there cheering me on. I even had my eye doctor here which was pretty good and my physical therapist. Everybody showed up and I had tons of support which was great,” he said.
Macdonald is still young at just 17 years old and he assured me this silver medal is just the start of his journey in Judo.
“In the long run I would like to win the World Championship or go to the Olympics, I think either of those would be pretty cool,” said Macdonald.
Macdonald’s tournament may be over but there is still one day of Judo left on Saturday when the Team Competition will take place at the P.E.I. Convention Centre. The action gets underway at 10 a.m.
Congratulations, Lucas on earning your silver medal and putting PEI on the podium.
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