Seven British Judoka to Compete at the Sofia European Open
January 30, 2026
This weekend, seven British judoka will take to the tatami at the Sofia European Open in Bulgaria, competing from 31 January to 1 February 2026.
Charlie Ayre (Tees Valley JC) will represent Great Britain in the -60kg category, looking to build on the strong form he showed in his last outing. Ayre secured a bronze medal at the Conegliano European Open in November, and another European Open podium would be an ideal way to begin his 2026 campaign.
Michael Fryer (Rush Judo) returns to international action at -66kg following a gold medal performance at the Sarajevo European Open in October. Fryer will be aiming to replicate that success as he opens his competitive year in Sofia.
Ethan Nairne (Bradley Stoke JC) competes in the -73kg division at his first event of 2026. His last two international appearances came at the Abu Dhabi and Zagreb Grand Prix events, and the experience gained at that elite level should serve him well this weekend.
Luke Davies (Ealing JC) is back in action for the second consecutive week in the -81kg category. Davies placed a promising 7th at the Casablanca African Open last weekend, his first competition in nine months, and will be looking to build momentum as he continues his return to competition.
Summer Shaw (Camberley JC) makes a welcome return to competitive judo in the -48kg division after a lengthy injury layoff that has kept her sidelined since July 2025. Shaw will be eager to kick off 2026 strongly as she steps back onto the international stage.
Lele Nairne (Bradley Stoke JC) competes internationally for the first time since the Paris Olympic Games, entering the -57kg field. Nairne returned to competition at the British Championships in 2024 and again in 2025, and anticipation is high to see what she can deliver on the international stage in Sofia.
Rachael Hawkes (Camberley JC) continues her busy competition schedule following a 7th place finish at the Casablanca African Open last week. Hawkes has accumulated valuable ranking points over the past six months, medalling at several African, Pan-American, and Oceania Open events, and will now be aiming to translate that success onto the European stage.
Good luck to everyone competing this weekend!
