Bronze for McKenzie in Havana Grand Prix

On day one of the Havana Grand Prix on Friday 6 June, Ashley McKenzie brought home a brilliant bronze medal for Great Britain soon after returning from injury.

It was a great start from McKenzie with a waza-ari from tai-otoshi followed by an ippon from Laats takedown in 21 seconds against Leonardo Merino of Cuba.

This sent him through to quarter final against Brazilian Eric Takabatake which he lost by a waza-ari.

But the Briton soon bounced back to win the repechage final by ippon over Juan Perez and in a strong performance beat Artiom Arshanki of Israel and took the Grand Prix bronze medal with waza-ari and yuko throws.

“Ashley looked sharp and relaxed throughout and I hope that his confidence will keep growing and that this success can keep repeated when he competes at the Hungary Grand Prix later this month,” said Luke Preston, Ashley’s judo coach at Camberly. 

Words by Donna Richardson. Photos IJF.