The thirteen-strong British team competing in the 2009 Junior European Judo Championships in Yerevan, Armenia, from the 11th - 13th September, flew out from Heathrow Tuesday afternoon.

On their first day in Armenia, the team had a recovery day, with all players going for a jog or swim. On Thursday the whole team had a training session at midday in preparation for the competition beginning on Friday.

Britain’s 2007 and 2008 European bronze medallist, Ashley Fleming, returns again to compete in the +78kg category. Now 18 years of age, Fleming achieved her personal best back in 2007, and has performing well since, winning gold at the U20 British Trials and bronze at the U20 Belgium Ladies Open.

Returning for the second time to compete in a Junior European Championships are Craig Stewart (-81kg), Luke Taylor (-90kg), Jermaine McIntosh (-100kg), Scarlett Woolcock (-70kg) and Samantha Clark (-52kg). Woolcock and Clark both finished in seventh place in 2008.

Last year’s European bronze medallist Gemma Howell was named in the -57kg weight category but has had to withdraw due to injury. Howell has been on top form this year, winning gold at two Junior ‘A’ Tournaments this year in Russia and Poland.

Commenting on her medals she said, “I was pleased I beat Karakas Hedvig of Hungary at the Polish ‘A’ Tournament because she has been doing really well in the senior circuit, which is what I will be concentrating on next year”.

Completing the line up and making their debuts at this level are, Brandon Dodge who will contest the -55kg category, Nicolas James (-60kg), Ben Guest (-66kg), Owen Livesey (-73kg), Francesca Steggall (-48kg), Charlotte Potter (-63kg) and Louise Little (-78kg).

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Media Contact:

Nicola Turner

British Judo

(t) 01509 631695

nicola.turner@britishjudo.org.uk