Doug Rogers trained for three years at the Kodokan School of Judo in Tokyo where he earned a fifth degree black belt. Part of his time in Japan was spent studying under the master Masahiko Kimura. At approximately six foot four inches in height and weighing 260 lbs, Rogers excelled in judo’s heavyweight category during his career. He is also a member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

From 1964-67 Rogers won consecutive gold medals at the Canadian championships.

The highlight of Rogers’ career took place at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo when he won silver in the heavyweight category. After dominating the opening matches, Rogers’ only defeat came at the hands of Japanese champion Isao Inokuma, a training partner of his.

A year later in 1965, he took the bronze medal at the world judo championships in Rio De Janiero. In the same year, he was the first caucasian to be honoured with selection as captain of the All Japan University Judo Team champions.

Rogers won gold in the open-weight category and silver in the heavyweight category while competing at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg.

He represented Canada a second time at the Olympics as a member of the 1972 Canadian Olympic team in Munich, Germany. Rogers would finish fourth in the open category.