World Judo silver for Sophie Cox

Sophie Cox (left) on the podium with her silver medal

Littleborough's two time Judo Olympian Sophie Cox won a silver medal in the World Judo Masters Championships held in Olbia, Sardinia.

Sophie said: “I had hoped to add a Judo Masters title to the World BJJ Adult Pro and Masters World gold medals that I won earlier this yea, but a freak injury in the final, when scores were level, meant I had to retire hurt, and so my hopes of a world title treble were dashed.

“I had beaten my Swedish opponent, Ida Lindgren,  last year when I won the European Masters in Croatia, and I was confident of repeating my success.

"It was just one of those unfortunate things. I have used the eri seionage (drop shoulder throw) hundreds of times before, but somehow the block from my opponent trapped my elbow. I knew at once that the injury was serious." 

Earlier in tine competition Cox had been in commanding form, beating Stephanie Cornu (France) and Lisa Capriotti (USA) with an arm lock and hold down submissions.

Some consolation was that her extended family had taken the opportunity to travel to Sardinia to support her, and afterwards to enjoy a family holiday there

Despite the setback, Cox was understandably delighted with her overall competition results this year. She said: “Two world BJJ titles, European BJJ gold in Lisbon, and golds in the British Pro and Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. There are plenty more competition opportunities to come, once I have recovered from my injury."