(This is the 11th of an ongoing series of the borough's amazing athletes)

Staten Island Judo Jujitsu Dojo student Albert Foronda was given the opportunity to represent his country while showcasing his talents in Peru, and he didn't disappoint.

The 12-year-old earned a bronze medal representing USA in the under 52 Kg division of the Infantil Pan American Championships last week in Lima, Peru.

"I felt a lot of national pride to represent USA and I was also proud of myself for my accomplishments," said Foronda. "I never imagined that I would have this opportunity."

Foronda qualified for the games by placing second at the 2017 National Scholastic Championships in Nevada in March.

For his mother Katsiaryna Foronda, it means a great deal to represent the USA.

"I'm really proud of his accomplishments and a chance to represent his country is amazing," said his mother. "It's almost like double pride for me being an immigrant and being able to raise my son."

As for the trip outside of the country to compete against the best, Albert Foronda enjoyed the experience and was able to learn from others.

"It was a lot of fun and it was a game-changer for me because I got to see the style of people outside of the country," said the athlete. "It was a big learning experience."

LEARNING FROM THE BEST

The eighth-grader at IS 7 started practicing judo when he was just four-years-old, but it wasn't until he met judo Sensei Joseph Cannizzo that his game went to the next level.

"I'm extremely grateful for Sensei Joe because he taught me so much and helped me," said Albert Foronda. "He taught me a lot of technique and that improved my game. He also improved my confidence in a year."

And Foronda can learn a lot from the 32-year-old Kodokan Judo Black Belt and Great Kills resident who runs the Staten Island Judo Jujitsu Dojo in Richmond.

"The Infantil Pan American Championships is the largest junior tournament on this side of the globe and Albert bravely represented the United States Of America and was successful enough to bring a medal home," said Cannizzo.

Although Foronda captured the bronze medal, he feels that he is just getting started and expects even better results next time in future tournaments -- and his coach predicts the same.

"It was great to get bronze but now I can see how I can improve my flaws and see what I could have done better," said Albert Foronda.

"Albert is developing into a strong young man and I expect to see him succeed in future tournaments and to use his great work ethic to be vigilant in overcoming any obstacles life throws his way," added Cannizzo.

SUCCESS OFF THE MATS

Foronda isn't just successful on the mats, as he is also in the honor society at IS 7 and in a leadership club coaching younger kids in judo.

"All of this success is due to the hard work and the emotional development that he's had," said Katsiaryna Foronda. "It's very exciting because his journey wasn't easy."

(NOTE: If you have a story about an amazing young athlete, please leave an email for gkane@siadvance.com)