Oshawa’s Matt Ausman a Judo Champion

But, getting back wasn’t as easy as simply stepping onto the mat again. Ausman couldn’t do much following surgery, and it wasn’t until six weeks post-operation that he was able to begin light training, which he did helping out his father Kevin, who teaches younger judo athletes.

As his hip would allow it, Ausman increased his training, but still struggled mentally, for fear of sustaining another injury, he admits.

“A lot,” he said when asked if nerves were a factor in getting back to action. “It was a hurdle, but you have to try and get over the obstacle, right? I slowly got over the fact that I was healed and that I could just go for it.”

With all that behind him, Ausman looks forward to a shot at winning gold during next month’s World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

“I feel amazing. It feels good to have this under my belt, but Worlds, I want to take that under my belt too,” he said.