Dussard gets worldwide exposure
Published:Wednesday | July 13, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Ainsley Walters, Gleaner Writer
JAMAICA's Nicholas Dussard got the biggest international media exposure afforded a local martial artist recently.
The Wolmer's graduate and University of Technology student fought live on ESPN 3 and defeated Argentina's Estanislao Serrano at the International Sports Karate Association's 'Night of Champions', at the US Open in Orlando, Florida.
Dussard was crowned world lightweight continuous sparring champion on the tournament's biggest stage, which was beamed live to a worldwide audience on Saturday, July 2.
The Jamaica combined martial arts team star has won US Open titles throughout his career, but reached the pinnacle at the tournament by being selected for the 'Night of Champions' battle.
"I have three medals from the US Open but this is my first ISKA medal," he explained.
"It's a higher standard than the US Open, it's a bigger stage," he added.
However, it didn't come easy for 21-year-old Dussard.
"It was harder than I thought it would have been. I've fought Serrano before but he came out firm and very hard. We both went at it early and it called for something extra," he said of his historic victory.
four world titles
Groomed by the combined martial arts team since he was 12 years old, Dussard has also won four consecutive world titles in team fighting.
The exposure from the ESPN 3 event started even before Dussard and Serrano clashed in Orlando, Florida.
Social-media network, especially among local martial arts supporters and practitioners, blew up with the news. After the Jamaican won, he was being congratulated by peers from all over the world.
"I got feedback on Facebook and BlackBerry Messenger from all over. The guys in Argentina and New Zealand were saying the judges got it absolutely right."
Dussard is scheduled to represent Jamaica at the International Olympic Committee's Pan Am Games in Mexico this year.
He is also set to travel to Venezuela in August with the combined team and is one of two fighters already confirmed for the New York International in September.