Judo obsessed boy from Tunbridge Wells had his dream
come true when the BBC2 show Sportsround came to his
club. Tom Huxley,
contacted the children's programme in January asking
it to feature the Tonbridge Judo Club but heard nothing
for weeks.
Tom said: "I was watching it and they did a bit on a boys' rowing club and I
thought I could do that. So I emailed them."
The programme makers finally got back to him and filmed at the club in Swanmead
Way, Tonbridge, on February 6.
"It was one of the best days of my life. It was really fun," said Tom.
Tom, who has been learning judo for four years and is up to yellow belt
standard, gave presenter Jake Humphrey tips on
how to prepare for a contest and demonstrated some moves.
"I showed Jake some throws and how to break falls so he could land safely. He
was really nice and a normal person."
Jake then had a contest with 15-year-old club member and Olympic 2012 hope James
Martin, of Paddock Wood, which
ended in a "spectacular throw".
The programme was aired on BBC2 on Saturday, February 9.
Tom, who attends Bidborough Primary School, added: "It was really weird seeing
myself on TV. I was watching it and
thought 'wow that's me'."
Former Olympian and the club's coach Chris Bowles, of Hildenborough, said: "It
is a real boost for all the children at
the club. Tom is born for TV. He got on exceptionally well with Jake."
The film crew stayed at the club for more than four hours and gave the children
the chance to try their hand at camera
work.
Tom's mum Katie said: "The three crew members were fantastic
with the children
and let them try out the camera and
make suggestions about what to do next."
The club has big aspirations for some of the children to follow
in the footsteps
of their coach who represented Great
Britain at the 1980 Moscow games and finished fifth.
Mr Bowles said: "We currently have five or six members competing
around the
world and winning."
James Martin, 15, has won
a whole host of
tournaments and represents Great
Britain at under-17 level. Mr Bowles added: "His potential for
2012 is immense.
"The club is on a real rollercoaster and the
atmosphere is absolutely electric."
"It's fantastic seeing the children reaping the rewards for
their hard work."
