Seven New Athletes Join British Judo’s Elite World-Class Performance Programme

British Judo welcomed seven new athletes onto the World Class Performance Programme this week following a recent 6-week trial, with all athletes based at the National Training Centre full time.

We would like to welcome:

• Ben Levy – Budokwai – Personal Coaches: Larry Stevenson and David Mesa Rey

• Ethan Nairne – Bradley Stoke Judo Club – Personal Coach: Pete Douglas

• Lola Hodson – Dragons Academy – Wales – Personal Coach: Stephen Abberley

• Chloe Link – Relentless Judo – Personal Coach: Darren Hawney

• Eryk Neumann – Hardy Spicer – Personal Coach: Fitzroy Davies

• Charlotte Jenman – Tonbridge Judo Club – Personal Coach: Ben Urban

• Charlie Ayre – Tees Valley Judo Club – Personal Coach: Liam Doody

All athletes were subject to a series of physical assessments against identified benchmarks along with a training programme to attend, and will be subject to a three-month and six-month review.

They will receive a full competition and training programme through an Individual Fighter Plan (IFP) along with accommodation on-site at the Training Centre, along with Sport Science and Medicine Support.

British Judo Performance Director, Nigel Donohue said: “It is extremely positive that seven fighters have been offered a place on the  British Judo World Class Performance Programme as we build Team’s towards the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Games.

“The investment in our Olympic and Paralympic Potential programmes is critical to ensure that we develop the next generation of fighters, building on the last three cycles, for future Games success.

“I am sure that the Team will welcome the group into the programme and support their development as they transition onto the next stage of their journey.”

Head of Performance Pathway, Matt Divall said, “We are delighted to welcome these new fighters onto the British Judo World Class Performance Programme.

“This is a positive sign that the Home Nation Development Programmes and Clubs are contributing and helping to develop and nurture young fighters.

“This is a testament to the efforts and commitment shown by the fighters and parents invested in their progress towards what we hope will be future Senior International and Olympic Games success.”

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