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Scarlett Woolcock will
return to the event where she announced herself on the senior
stage when she competes at the 2010 London British Open on Saturday
15th and Sunday 16th May.
The 20-year-old judoka
made a headline-grabbing breakthrough when she captured a bronze
medal at the event in 2008.
“That was a big moment
for me, it was without doubt one of the highlights of my career,”
she said.
Woolcock has long been
touted as one of hottest prospects in British Judo after an accomplished
junior career which included wins at the British Championships,
British Cadets Open and a host of international events.
The gifted fighter from
Cornwall was ruled out of last year’s event through illness and
is keen to make up for lost time at the K2 leisure centre in Crawley.
“It was disappointing to
miss out last year; I would have loved to have followed up on
my medal from 2008.
“I’ve had my share of illness
and injury but I want to bounce back now and establish myself
at senior level.”
Woolcock, who started
her career at the Tamar Judo Club, now trains at the British Judo
Performance Institute at Dartford.
“I’m only entering senior
events now and I feel I’m ready to really push on to the next
level.
“My training is going well
and I’m focused on going to the British Open to win a medal. I’ve
won bronze there but now I really want to do better than that.”
The junior star was struck
by a shoulder injury in October which required surgery and kept
her on the sidelines for two months. While her activity since
has been limited Woolcock is confident that her injury troubles
are behind her and that she’s physically ready to compete.
“I’m ready to fight now,
the shoulder has healed and it feels fine, I’m confident it won’t
be an issue for me.”
In addition to a blossoming
judo career the much-admired youngster is also at University.
With a mature approach that belies her tender years Woolcock looks
to have the turbulent task of balancing higher education and a
full-time sports career well in hand.
“I go to University one
day a week so it’s actually quite easy to balance my judo and
my studies. There’s a good balance and I think that’s healthy
for me.”
A noted student in the
gentle art, Woolcock will take her place at the British Open alongside
some of Britain’s elite names. James Millar, Colin Oates are just
a handful of the standout domestic fighters who will be in action.
“There’s always an impressive
band of fighters at the Open,” she said.
“I think there’ll also
be a really strong field of fighters from outside of Britain as
the Open is a now European Cup event.
“I’m sure the level of
fighters competing will be good for everyone involved."
Having made her breakthrough
at the Open the event will always hold a special significance
to Woolcock but she thinks every fighter should be striving to
make the most of Britain’s newly-recognised EJU Senior European
Cup event.
“Everyone due to compete
there should get their preparations up to speed as it’ll be a
very strong event. The event is so close now that I can’t wait
to compete.”
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