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Oxford University Judo
Club took two bronze medals at the Kent International Judo Championships
on Saturday 26 June at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
The standout club, who
are regarded as one of region’s premier judo outfits, saw Jordan
Doherty and Karen Kruska grab a place on the rostrum after sterling
efforts against an international field of competitors.
The Oxford outfit has already
had international success in the academic year after taking two
bronze medals at both the Paris University Team Competition and
the Commonwealth tournament in Singapore.
Their latest success was
achieved as 1,400 players took to the mat for one of the sport’s
biggest participation events in Europe, with Oxford University
providing four players.
Jordan Doherty and Karen
Kruska both emerged from a talent-rich field to each capture a
richly deserved bronze medal.
Doherty, 16, a member of
the club for 10 years, has recently negated the transition in
weight from under 63kg to under 70kg and after missing her fight
entered the new territory of 70kg division.
The gifted teenager, who
captured her coveted 1 st Dan grade at the age of 15, impressed
as she battled her way to third place.
The national squad member
will make the next major showcase of her talents when she competes
at the UK School Games in September in her natural under 63kg
division.
Father Chris, who is incidentally
the head coach at the club, believes Jordan did well to take a
medal.
“Jordan did well, she’s
been very busy with her school activities and exams,” he said.
“She missed the weight
so it was a big challenge for her but I think she can be pleased
with her efforts.”
Jordan’s bronze medal was
repeated by Karen Kruska, a 25-year-old 1 st Dan and PhD student.
Kruska, who captured bronze
at the University Championships in March, fought in the combined
weight class of under 70kg and under 78kg.
Chris Doherty said: “Karen
again underlined her skills by taking a well deserved medal in
Kent.
“We took a team of four
as the event is right at the end of the academic year for us so
a lot of members have gone home for the summer.”
Oxford University Judo
Club will return to training in September at the University Sports
Centre in east Oxford, OX4 1EQ. Sessions will be held on Sunday
at 17:00 – 19:00 and Tuesday from 17:30 – 19:00 as well on a Thursday
at 19:00 – 21-00.
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