Judo: Sophie Cox wins European Judo Masters

Littleborough’s two-time judo Olympian and double BJJ World Champion Sophie Cox (5th Dan) won her second European Judo Masters title in Glasgow on Saturday.

Sophie said: “This was my first competition since injuring my elbow in the final of the World Championships last October.

“Psychologically, the injury is always lurking at the back of your mind, especially at this level of competition.  There is also the added pressure of my being expected to win.

“I was really pleased to ease through my first two fights against French and Spanish opposition. 

"So, I approached my semi-final with a significant gain in confidence.   I was able to defeat a tough German opponent with a fast, clean leg sweep for my third consecutive ippon win.”

Sophie’s victory set up the final the large, vociferous Scottish crowd had been hoping for. A show-down between local favourite and Commmonwealth Games gold medallist Louise Renwicks.

Sophie and Louise delivered a classic encounter. The intensity was set from the first, with Sophie attacking ferociously and Louise withstanding a barrage of attempted throws and take downs, but the teller throw never materialised.

With the crowd getting ever more voluble and passionate during the golden score, Sophie produced the magic moment to end the fight and stun the Scottish section. A perfectly executed leg trip resulted in a strong arm hold down for a wazari score and a gold medal for Sophie.

Sophie said: “It was a really tough, bruising fight.

 “I was thrilled to win and pleased that my elbow remained strong. 

"It’s always a special feeling when you beat the 'auld enemy' on their home soil.”

The following day Sophie was in sparkling form. Brimming with confidence from her title winning performance, she produced some great judo in the team competition, winning her three fights with different techniques for ippon scores, she helped GB to a well-deserved bronze medal.

Sophie said: “I have a busy summer ahead with a camp in Iceland, individual tuition on the Isle of Man, a female-only judo/jiu jitsu/MMA camp in Kendal, and I’m also providing the judo coaching for Danny Carr’s three-day Activity Camp in Ashfield Valley.

“It always creates an extra buzz when you’ve won a major title. It reinforces my strong belief that elite competition is the research department of any sport.”