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The Courier January 25 2008
Mascalls School pupil James Martin, aged 15,dug deep for Welsh gold in another step towards his 2012 Olympic dream by winning the Welsh Open under 20 age banded Championships in Cardiff. The Tonbridge Judo Club member won all four of his fights in the under 50kg category, culminating in a close final with an opponent from the Republic of Ireland National team which went to golden score. James’ brilliant success in Cardiff follows his recent selection for the British Judo Association’s World Class Talent Squad – one of only 15 boys in the country of his age to be so chosen. He was picked out at a world class performance weekend at the Sheffield Institute of Sport after his performances had been assessed over a 12-month period by the BJA’s British Team selectors at competitions at home and abroad. This puts James at the top of the list for the European Championships to be held in June and, says coach Chris Bowles, is the start of his preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games.
“James is showing all the signs of not just reaching the Olympic Games but being a potential Olympic medalist. He has the right mental attitude and the physical attributes to make up a true Olympian,” commented Bowles. “His progress over the period of four years has far exceeded that of any player I have ever trained or known. His ability to absorb an excessive workload, in what is sometimes a very demanding sport, is exceptional.”
He added: “Tonbridge Judo Club has been fortunate enough to be able to give James, and the rest of the performance squad, an international Programme.”
There was further success for Tonbridge Judo Club in Wales when 10-year-old St Augustine’s pupil Enrico Atkinson won bronze in his first national event at under 42kg.
James Sparks, aged 14 of Hayesbrook school, came seventh in the under 55kg category.
Dean Garlick, 14, of The Judd School, fought hard but unfortunately lost both of his fights in his first open event at under 46kg.
Two members of Tonbridge Judo club competed at the Orange Belt and under competition in Worthing at the beginning of January. Enrico Atkinson, who recently won a national silver medal at Sheffield, performed in a very professional manner showing a maturity beyond his years and winning every one of his five contests to take the gold medal.
Sam Greig aged 13 of Oakwood Grammar School Maidstone came up against a couple of old adversaries whom, on this occasion, he was unable to defeat but he fought exceptionally hard to take the bronze medal.
