Judo legend makes final 15 for BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s Unsung Hero

A judoka who has dedicated more than half a century to the sport, was nominated as one of the finalists in the running for the BBC’s Sport Personality of the Year Awards’ Unsung Hero accolade this weekend.

Plymouth Judo Club chairman Alan Kimber beat off competition in his area to become one of 15 selected across the regions.

The overall winners were selected from this pool and were announced on the night of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year programme on Sunday, 15 December. They were Basketball duo Maggie & Joe Forber of Manchester.

However, in the judo world, Kimber could still be considered somewhat of a hero. Over the decades he has helped thousands of youngsters to learn the sport, although these days he is more likely to referee and officiate for his club and county.

“Judo is just in my blood,” said Kimber, who narrowly missed out on selection for the Olympics in his youth.

“Once you’ve done it once you are hooked. There isn’t a day that has gone by in these 50 years without me being involved in judo in some way.”

The Unsung Hero category of the awards recognises the remarkable achievements of those who inspire others to enjoy sport in their communities and make it accessible to all.

Last year, Judo coaches Len Gooch and Tina Parker were joint-winners of the BBC Sports Unsung Hero for East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The father-daughter duo run a successful BJA judo club in Scunthorpe.