Moanalua's Zorich Palimoo (blue belt) won his second straight OIA judo title despite a condition known as vocal cord dysfunction, which limits the airflow into his lungs. CJ Caraang | SL

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Moanalua's Zorich Palimoo (blue belt) won his second straight OIA judo title despite a condition known as vocal cord dysfunction, which limits the airflow into his lungs. CJ Caraang | SL

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Zorich Palimoo is one tough kid.

It's not, however, because the Moanalua senior won the 198-pound weight class at Saturday's Oahu Interscholastic Association individual judo championships, but because he has, and continues to, overcome the odds.

Palimoo has a condition known as vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), which is defined as the abnormal closing of the vocal cords. It is characterized by the full or partial closure of the vocal cords, leading to an obstruction of airflow into the lungs and is caused by, among other things, physical exertion.

"It's similar to asthma," Palimoo said. "Basically my vocal cord just tightens up when I exert a lot of energy."

One can imagine that VCD isn't exactly conducive to a sport like judo, where competitors use short bursts of energy repeatedly in a four- to five-minute match. Palimoo, however, has learned to deal with it.

"He's been getting better at with just with age and he knows now how to control it a little bit better and work with it and not be afraid of it basically and know how to use it in his favor," Moanalua coach Brandon Maki said. "He understands what he's dealing with."

Still, Maki admits it can be frightening at times to see Palimoo suffering what appears to be a severe asthma attack shortly after a match or even on the mat at times. In fact, just after winning his semifinal bout Saturday, Palimoo was tended to for some time by athletic trainers and coaches.

"I guess it was like the air and stuff," Palimoo said. "I just used too much energy in that match."

As if dealing with his VCD wasn't enough, Palimoo competes at a weight class that is nearly 30 pounds above his actual weight of 170.

"We did that because we know he can handle the weight and he's one of our best players, so he can handle going up to that weight class," Maki said.

Palimoo, however, has refused to let his condition, or his weight, hinder him.

"You've just got to be mentally tough," said Palimoo, a two-time OIA titlist and reigning state champion. "The mind is stronger than the body, so you've just got to keep focusing and keep striving for your team."