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British Judo selects six-strong team for European u23 Championships
November 14, 2012
British Judo has selected a six-strong team to compete at the 2012 u23 European Championships from 16-18 November in Prague, Czech Republic.
Junior Young Player of the Year Nekoda Davis, 19, who has won three senior European Cup medals this year, will compete in the -57kg category.
The Ealing Judo Club youngster has won gold at the English Junior Open, Junior British Trials, two Junior European Cups and the British Championships.
Sweden European Cup bronze medallist Amy Livesey, 18, battles in the -70kg category.
The SKK teenager has topped the medal rostrum this year at the u20 Dutch Open, Junior British Trials, u20 Austria Creative Tournament and British Championships.
2011 Junior world bronze medallist Ben Fletcher, 20, who took bronze at the Serbia European Cup in October at -100kg, will continue to campaign in the heavier category in the Czech Republic.
Finland European Cup bronze medallist Jodie Mullen, 21, will fight in the -63kg field.
The Judo Scotland talent is the reigning Welsh Open champion and took seventh-place last time out at the Serbia European Cup.
Argentina World Cup bronze medallist Lewis Keeble, 21, sees action in the -66kg category.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix silver medallist Natalie Powell, 22, competes in the -78kg category.
Welsh Judo star Powell has enjoyed a breakout year on the international stage with World Cup, European Cup and Grand Prix silverware to add to her domestic victories at the British Trials and Commonwealth Championships.
u23 European Championships debutant Nekoda Davis, who competes on Friday, said: “The u23’s was always a target for the end of this year’s plan and it is fantastic to have met this target.
“I am looking to perform well as a platform from which to jump into 2013’s senior calendar. I’m looking forward to fighting in Prague and know I have the full support of all my teammates at Ealing Judo Club and my coach Jo, who have all helped me prepare for this prestigious event.”
Royal Air Force judoka Lewis Keeble, who also competes on Friday, said: “After completing my promotion course, to become a Lance Corporal, I’ve only had fove weeks to prepare for the u23.
“In the short time I have had to ready myself for the event, I feel that with my coach, Darren Warner, we have done everything possible to give me the best chance of a medal.”
Full team:
Weight | Name | Club | Home Country |
Under 57kg | Nekoda Smythe-Davis | Ealing | England |
Under 63kg | Jodie Mullen | Edinburgh | Scotland |
Under 70kg | Amy Livesey | SKK | England |
Under 78kg | Natalie Powell | Irfon | Wales |
Under 66kg | Lewis Keeble | Tamar / RAF | England |
Under 100kg | Ben Fletcher | Bath/Pinewood | England |
Programme
Friday 16.11.2012
Women: -48 / -52 / -57 kg
Men: -60 / -66 kg
10:00 Start preliminaries
15:30 Final block
Saturday 17.11.2012
Women: – 63 / – 70 kg
Men: – 73 / – 81 kg
10:00 Preliminaries
15:00 Opening Ceremony
15:30 Final block
Sunday 18.11.2012
Women: -78 / +78 kg
Men: -90 / -100 / +100 kg
10:00 Preliminaries
15:30 Final block