Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone!

I had a very busy christmas and new year this year but managed to find a little time to relax which was good. As Judo isn't a seasonal sport it is unfortunately the only time of year when athletes like myself can actually 'take their foot off the pedal' a little, though with the British trials at the end of January there really isn't much rest.

I found out earlier this month that I will not be recieving the Essex Ambassador Award again this year. It is obviously disappointing but with this year busier than ever, and as I struggled to find much time to fit in Ambassadorial dutieslast year it's probably for the best. I wanted to say a big thank-you to all of the staff within the Essex legacy team for all the help and support I was given last year. It was a huge honour to recieve the award and to become a Essex Ambassador and I will strive to continue to be a Ambassador not only in Essex but for sport Nationally. Thank you again for all your support.

Down to business now .....I'm currently in Paris training for the GB trials at the end of the month. Last year they were cancelled due to snow so lets hope the weather is better this year. I return back to Harlow on Friday and will be up at my club (West Essex Judo club) as always training.

Journey to the podium

I recently attended the private viewing of the journey to the podium work at the Gibberd gallery in Harlow, just 5 minutes down the road it was perfect for me. I worked with Rob Smith who produced an amazing digital artpiece. It was such a brilliant experience and I look forward to working again with him in the new year.

I've also recently done a team2012 visa photoshoot, I'm still waiting to view the end product but I believe I along with around 9 other athletes will be on promotional materials in the new year. It's all very exciting.

Training wise I've been a little ill and injured recently but am looking forward to the Korean World Cup ( I fly out on monday) and the Tokyo Grand Slam which I have also been selected for and will fly directly from Korea to compete the following weekend. So for me, up to, through and straight after christmas it'll be hard work all the way... Oh how I love this sport!

MRI and CAT scan

Earlier today I had a MRI scan on my wrist. I've had pain in it for around 3weeks now and it's getting progressively worse so I'm getting it checked out just to make sure I'm not doing any damage too it. I'm also getting CAT scan as I've had problems with my sinuses for years and am hopeing to get it sorted out so once again I can breath and sleep like a normal human being!
This week has been tough. The u23yrs European team have been down training for the Champs next weekend so the randori has been good and there have been lots of extra body's around. Next week will be back to normal and then hopefully the week after that I'm in Paris, just before the Korea WC, it's all happening at the moment.

Korea World Cup

This last month has been rather quiet for me. It's been very busy with training but as I'm not competing for about another month it's been a good time to re-focus on training aims and developing new stuff.
My next event is the Korean World Cup which I'm very pleased to have been selected for and am looking forward to. The last time I went to Korea I was around 17yrs old so it should be fun to visit again.
I'll keep you posted on how it all goes!

Essex Ambassador Duty.

At long last I have finally done a Ambassador duty demonstration...... It was so much fun and I felt so welcome. I met some really lovely people and had some fantastically tasty bits to eat :-)

I was proud to be not only a representative for British Judo and elite sport but as a Essex Ambassador. Thank you.

World Championships and the GB World Cup

Hey all!

Sorry for laying dormant for so long my laptop has been broken for so long now.

I've been back from the World Championships in Tokyo quite a while now and although I didn't get the result I wanted it was a great trip. Lets hope next year it'll be even better and I'll come back with a medal :-)

This evening I returned from the GB World Cup held in Birmingham. I came 5th which is obviously disappointing as I wanted to win it in front of a brilliant home crowd and my very own West Essex Judo Club fans. They were awesome but unfortunately things didn't quite go my way and I had to settle with a 5th place. The camp starts tomorrow evening and I've plenty to work on so here's to a good week ahead.

Thanks for reading x

World Championships!

The world selections were announced today, and I'm pleased to report that I will be going...... Tokyo here I come!
We have 2 weeks left training at home (I'll be at West Essex judo club with my personal coach along with staff at the BJPI) then around 9 days in Japan before the tournament. Woo Hoo it's all so exciting!