British Judoka Secure Three Top-Seven Finishes at Lima Grand Prix
August 17, 2026
A group of British judoka competed at the Lima Grand Prix in Peru over the weekend, with three athletes securing top-seven finishes on the IJF World Tour.
Acelya Toprak (Camberley JC) came closest to the podium, finishing fifth in the -57kg category after another impressive performance.
The result matches Toprak’s best IJF World Tour finish of the year, having also taken fifth at the Tbilisi Grand Slam. She also finished fifth at the European Senior Championships earlier this year, before claiming gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in her most recent competition.
With a strong run of results in 2026, Toprak continues to build valuable ranking points and experience as she sets her sights on qualification for LA 2028.
Ashleigh Barnikel (Bradley Stoke JC) enjoyed an excellent World Tour debut, finishing seventh in the -48kg category on her first appearance at this level.
Barnikel gained valuable experience across three fights in Lima, adding to an impressive 2026 that has already seen her claim fifth at the Mandurah Oceania Open and bronze at the Tunis African Open.
Charlie Young (Ryecroft JC) secured his best result of the year with seventh place in the -60kg category.
Young progressed from the Round of 32 through to the quarter-finals before entering the repechage, narrowly missing out on the opportunity to fight for a place on the podium.
Congratulations to all of the team on their efforts in Lima!
