Matthew Colquhoun: “I'm Dedicating My Medal to My Son”

At the Pan American SAMBO Championships, held in Alajuela, Costa Rica, Jamaica's Matthew Colquhoun claimed gold in the men's -88kg Combat SAMBO category. For the athlete, this victory marked his fifth continental championship gold.

“It's just an amazing feeling! I've put in a lot of hard work over a long time – and this is now my fifth Pan American gold medal. It meant so much to me because I really wanted to get that number up to five. And I did it, I put in all the work it took,” the champion shared.

Looking back on the final match, Colquhoun said patience was the key to his victory.

“You just have to stay patient and wait for your chance. Being patient means trusting your training, doing what you know how to do, and then everything falls into place. At one point in the fight, I saw an opportunity present itself, and I just took it. It worked, and I'm really grateful for that chance. And now I'm happy to be champion,” the athlete said.

Colquhoun also singled out the support from the crowd at the Polideportivo Monserrat.

“They're amazing. Everyone here knows me, since I've been coming to the Pan American Championships for years now. They all know me and expect an exciting fight, plus that Jamaican energy all around. So I'm really happy, and I love it. I love the SAMBO community,” the athlete admitted.

The Jamaican dedicated his victory to the person closest to him.

“I want to dedicate this medal to my son. He's one year old now. He's the main reason I come out here and fight, and I love him so much. And now I'm bringing this win home to him,” said Matthew Colquhoun.