Judo: Sophie Cox praises judoka after impressing in Kendal

Ezara, Leo and Archie

Two-time judo Olympian Sophie Cox, of Littleborough, has praised the performance of three young judoka at a competition in Kendal.

Ezara Matthews, eight, Leo Cox, eight, and Archie Porter, seven, who are all members of Bacup Judo Club, travelled to Kendal on the second-to-last weekend of June for a tough but rewarding development competition.

They all gave promising performances.

Sophie, a member of the coaching team at the Bacup club where she has been all her career, was pleased with the progress of the young trio.

She said: “Present day competitions for youngsters are all about enjoyment and participation with an eye to technical progress, and moving on to winning medals at junior (over 12) level.

“Ezara Matthews (Thorne School) is a super strong, impressive attacking judoka. She won an exciting first fight and only lost narrowly in two further battling contests. I liked her ‘never say die’ attitude, and I am looking forward to seeing her develop into a top class junior.

“Leo Cox, a student at Belfield School, was his usual aggressive self, winning one and losing two ding dong contests.

“Archie Porter, also a student at Belfield School, was in his first competition, losing three close contests but showing courage and determination.

“We have an excellent cohort of youngsters, 5-8, 8-12, 12-16 age groups, training at Bacup on Mondays and Thursdays,” continued Sophie. “It's great to see the established family traditions thriving with grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren all involved on and off the mat. Personally, I’ve taken up an exciting new challenge away from judo, as England Talent Development Manager for GB Climbing.

“I am developing an elite pathway for success at Paris Olympics in 2024 and long term for 2032. Yet I am fortunate to be able to continue my involvement in grassroots judo at Bacup, a club that prides itself on involving all ages and abilities, as well as producing medal-winning judoka.”