British Judoka Secure Top-Five Finishes Across Qingdao and Prague

Alongside Charlie Ayre’s incredible silver medal at the Qingdao Grand Prix, there were more encouraging performances for the British teams across both China and the Prague European Open.

At the Qingdao Grand Prix, Emma Reid (Redbridge JC) claimed an impressive fifth-place finish in the -78kg category. Reid progressed to the bronze medal contest after another strong run on the IJF World Tour, eventually finishing just outside the podium places.

The world number 13 continues to build strong momentum, following up her silver medal at the Senior European Championships with another top-five finish after placing fifth at the Tbilisi Grand Slam earlier this year. Her attention now turns to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she will represent Team England and look to defend her title.

Over at the Prague European Open, Summer Shaw (Camberley JC) also recorded a fifth-place finish in the -48kg category. Shaw came agonisingly close to the podium, narrowly missing out on bronze after a golden score defeat in the medal contest.

The result continues a strong run of form for the British judoka, who won bronze at the Tallinn European Open earlier this month. She will next compete at the Sarajevo European Open before making her Commonwealth Games debut for Team Scotland at the end of next month.

There was also another consistent performance from Caitlin Barber (Middlesbrough JC), who finished seventh in the -52kg category. The result marks her third consecutive European Open top-seven finish, having previously placed fifth in both Tallinn and La Nucía/Benidorm. The consistent performances underline the progress she is making as she continues to push for medals.

Congratulations to all of the British judoka who represented Great Britain over the weekend!

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