Jiu Jitsu: Sophie Cox wins gold

Judo Olympian Sophie Cox won gold at The UAEJJ (Jiu Jitsu) Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour

Littleborough's double Judo Olympian Sophie Cox won gold in the blue belt lightweight bracket (u-62k) with a series of commanding performances in the UAEJJ (Jiu Jitsu) Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour in London on Saturday 18 March.

Sophie was excited and enthusiastic in her praise and support for the tournament.  She said: "I last competed here in the Olympics in 2012, and the 1,000 plus crowd today provided just as vibrant and nerve tingling an atmosphere. I had a bye in the first round, but managed to maintain composure and focus, after a long wait, to win my first fight with an arm lock submission against Eliamar Guimaraes (Spain).

"I am beginning to feel confident with the technical side of BJJ. Training with my coach Adam Adshead at his impressive BJJ Factory Club in Stockport has certainly been productive. One major thing I have learnt is to be patient. You can't always go for the crowd pleasing moves.

"Against Marioal Zyla (Greek) in the semi final I gained the dominant position and she finally submitted to another arm lock.

"In the final Marina Maurou (Greece) provided experienced opposition. After using a judo take down, my strength and technique saw me with a 7-0 point victory, the gold medal and an athlete prize of $500."

"The competition drew 800 athletes from 59 different countries attracted by the glory, the prize money and the opportunity to get world ranking points. I might have come to BJJ late in my career but my participation has coincided with an explosion in the development of the sport.”

Sophie now prepares for the UAEJJ World Championships in Abu Dhabi beginning 14 April. After her success at Excel and in the British Pro Championships, Sophie feels that she has a chance of giving a good account of herself in the Worlds. She is grateful for sponsorship from Fuji Sports who supply her stylish Gis (competition suits).

Sophie said: “The IPIC arena in the Zayed Sports City is an iconic venue. The whole competition with juniors, para athletes, adults and masters will have all the excitement of a world class event, a true festival of BJJ. I'm mentally used to these occasions.

“My body is standing up to the physical demands of rigorous elite competition. So far I've managed to more than hold my own with the aspiring youngsters. Let's hope I can continue with my successful BJJ campaign and return with a world title.”