‘Freshman Phenomenon’ Helps Lead Chargers To Judo Title
Chastyne Dolor of Pearl City finished the judo season undefeated. Photo courtesy of the Dolor family.
In addition to setting the pace at Pearl City’s judo practices, freshman Chastyne Dolor always can be counted on to set the mood as well.
“She’s always happy — she lifts the spirits of the whole team,” said girls team head coach Robin Puahala. “She’s also a hard worker who is eager to learn each day. She is truly a freshman phenomenon.”
Dolor recently captured an individual state championship in the 109-pound class, helping to lead the Chargers to the “team title” in the process. She also won both the OIA West individual title and the overall OIA title. In all three instances, Dolor found herself going up against the defending state champion, Kaylin Castro of Mililani.
“I was kind of intimidated, knowing I’d have to play well to beat her,” said Dolor. “I was excited and nervous at the same time.”
Dolor finished the recently completed 2014 season undefeated. “I expected to do well this year, but I didn’t really expect to do as well as I did,” she admitted. Dolor recently took some time away from her schedule to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? I began judo when I was 7. I was really quiet and nervous at my first practice and didn’t know what to do. I came home the first day and told my parents that I didn’t want to do it anymore.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My parents (Phillip and Leslie). They’re always there to support me; and my coach at Pearl City Hongwanji Judo Club, Vince Sokugawa.
What will be your area of focus over the summer months? I will be competing in two categories at the USA Junior Nationals: the Juvenile B category and the IJF (Intermediate Junior Female). I’m training five to six days a week for it.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through judo? To never give up. When you give up, you’re only cheating yourself.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully, I’ll still be able to play judo, and I won’t be crippled by then. I want to get my college degree and have a good job and not be a beach bum.
What is your least favorite household chore? Washing the dishes.
What movie could you watch over and over? The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Divergent.
What kind of music do you like? Who are your favorite musical artists? It depends on what kind of a mood I’m in. Before a judo match, I like to listen to rap. I like Iggy Azalea. I like all music, basically.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I like to eat and sleep because I’m always at practice or school, so it is all I get to do. Or I’m talking on my phone.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? A poke bowl — spicy ahi, to be exact.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? I would like to meet Beyoncé because she’s the queen of everything.
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