Bahamian judoka Xavion Johnson continues to shine in international competition.
A day before his 20th birthday, Johnson struck gold in the men’s 73 kilogram (kg) class at the Tahiti Oceanian Open 2026, that took place at the A.S. Aorai Sports Complex, in Pīra’e, Tahiti, over the weekend.
Johnson faced Tamatoa Luciani Renaud de la Faverie, of French Polynesia, in the gold medal match on Saturday, and prevailed by way of ippon 3:10 into the match. He also scored twice by way of yuko in the match.
“I’m pleased, it feels good,” said Johnson. “I was able to get the match I needed and the ranking that I want heading into the CAC [Central American and Caribbean] Games. I feel like I was more willing to fight than my opponent. I put in the work and I got the win.”
In the semifinals, Johnson got past Basile Dessaivre, of French Polynesia, by way of ippon just 1:30 into the match.
Johnson is now up to number 138 in the world in the men’s 73 kg class in the International Judo Federation’s (IJF) World Rankings, and at number 14 in the Panamerican Judo Confederation (PJC) region. The Bahamian mat technician is looking forward to competition at the CAC Games and the Commonwealth Games this summer.
The judo competition at the CAC Games runs from July 25-27, and the judo competition at the Commonwealth Games will be held from July 31 to August. The CAC Games will be held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and the Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland.
Johnson, who has been active in judo for 12 years, has qualified for both events this summer.
“I just have to continue to develop in this new category,” said Johnson. “There will be stronger competition as I get more fights in, but I’m ready for it. I like my chances.”
Johnson just started fighting in the men’s 73 kg class at the beginning of the year, and already he is excelling.
Earlier this year, he competed at the Pan American Junior Judo Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and finished fifth overall in the men’s 73 kg class. He also secured bronze at the Tunis Junior African Cup in Tunis, Tunisia, and is a 2025 Junior Pan American Games bronze medalist.
Johnson is coached by two-time Olympian Nicholas Tritton, of Tritton Performance, out of Montreal, Québec, Canada; Saša Nenadović, of Serbia; and American Joshua White.
