At the age of 89, this week passed away the first Romanian judoka, Mr. Mihai Botez (8th Dan ).

 

Misa, as his friends used to call him, was a real sportsman. In his younth, he was a member of the Romanian Gymnastics National Team and participated at the Helsinki Olympics in  1952.

 

He learn judo during the Second World War during his time spent in a prison camp in France, from Japanese officers. After returning home in 1956, he started the first Romanian judo club “Astra Vagonul” in Arad city. As master judoka, he participated in World Championships during the last 8 years and his last medal win was at 86 years, in his category. He was a perfect example for generations of students and active judoka masters.

 

Rest in pace