Britain’s young talent ready for Cadet European Championships

This weekend’s Cadet (U18) Europeans will see Great Britain’s future Olympians decend upon the Olympic flame’s spiritual home of Athens, Greece from 4 to 6 July 2014.

Many Olympic podium potentials for Tokyo 2020 will be in action as the likes of 2013 European Cadet bronze medallist Neil MacDonald of Alba (Scotland) (-60kg) and World cadet bronze medallist Lulu Piovesana (-57kg) of Bishop Challoner.

“I’m really looking forward to Greece this year with the British team,” said Lulu.

“I’ve performed well in both cadet and junior competitions this year and I hope to finally get a medal at my final cadet European Championships. I am over the moon about being selected,its an honour to represent GB.”

Selby youngster Connor Potts from Goole Judo Club will make his Cadet European Championships debut at -50kg.

“I am feeling very happy, a big congratulations to all the GB selected players,” Potts said.

The current British cadet Champion is joined by Scott Thomson of Danderhall/Destination at 55kg, Daniel Powell of Wolverhampton Judo Club at -60kg and Jamal Petgrave of Mitcham in Surrey.

Stuart McWatt (-73kg) and Sebastian Potter (-81kg) from Scotland will also be in action.

Former British Champion Eric Ham of Glossop (-66kg) was excited to be selected for the second time.

“I am very pleased with my selection for the Europeans this year,” he said.

“I went last year but only won one fight. I’ve trained really hard at the Centre the last six months and I am hoping to improve this year and come away with a medal. It’s a great honour to be selected to represent your country.”

Representing the ladies will be Olivia Piechota of Greenwich (Harris JSC) and Molly Harvey of Tonbridge (both -40kg), Aimee Grant (-48kg) of Highland Budokan, Chelsie Giles of Coventry and Lanina Solley (both -52kg) of Tonbridge, Jessica Carl (-57kg) of Camberley, Surrey, and Acelya Toprak (both -63kg) of Metro plus Lauren Hawkins (-70kg) of Westcroft judo club in Leatherhead.

Great Britain team leader Matt Divall said: “All the players have been very competitive in the Cadet tour of events, with several medal performances. It is good to note that several have also made the step up to medal at junior level too.

“All have prepared well and we will be looking for the players to impose themselves on the opposition and perform to their potential on the day of competition.”