TeamGBsquad

Team GB Judo Squad for Athens 2004

The Team GB Judo Squad for Athens 2004 was announced on Thursday 20 May at a press conference at the Budokwai Judo Club, London.

The eight strong team qualified their place on the squad through the World Championships last September or the tough European qualification season, which saw them attend tournaments in up to nine countries over a period of four months.

Two times Olympic medallist Kate Howey, is joined by Sydney team mate Karina Bryant and six players who will attend their first Olympic Games this August.

Kate said: “The qualification process for judo is strict so any one of the guys going has got a medal chance.”

This will be the first Olympics for Pinewood's Georgina Singleton who will represent GB in the Women's -52kg weight cateory. The former European Champion said: "We are all going to Athens to fulfill our dreams"

Udo Quellmalz, British Judo Performance Director and Team Leader for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games said: “We are delighted to have qualified eight players through the tough judo Olympic qualification process. The past performances of every team member shows their potential to achieve a good result at the Games. We will now use the next few months to ensure they are fully prepared and ready to perform to their full potential.”

An eight strong team will fly the Team GB flag in Athens

European silver medallist Sophie Cox, will compete in the Women's -57kg. The 22 year player from Rochdale had a strong European qualifying season, picking up four medals.

Craig Reedie, the Chairman of the British Olympic Association said: “I am delighted to welcome these eight judo players into Team GB following fine performances in various qualifying events. In particular, the number of medals won in the world and European championships over the past year ensure we have some exciting prospects to look out for in Athens.”

The full squad is as follows:

MEN

-60kg Craig Fallon (Hardy Spicer)

-90kg Winston Gordon (Wandsworth/Budokwai)

WOMEN

-52kg Georgina Singleton (Pinewood)

-57kg Sophie Cox (Bacup)

-63kg Sarah Clark (The Edinburgh Judo Club)

-70kg Kate Howey (Dartford/Team Bath)

-78kg Rachel Wilding (Camberley/Monkwai)

+78kg Karina Bryant (Camberley)