International medals for siblings

Pippa Jackson struck gold and older brother Ben claimed silver at the Kent International, a large and well-regarded judo event which has been held at Crystal Palace for 25 years.

Pippa Jackson competed in the yellow belt section. The 13-year-old is a relatively new judoka who is also a Hollington Gymnastics Club squad member and a Roberstbridge Community College pupil.

She powered through her group, winning all of her contests by the maximum score of ‘ippon’ to claim the gold medal.

Ben was the only blue belt competing in the blue and brown belt section in his weight. The 15-year-old won all his contests by ippon to reach the final, where he faced an experienced Dutch brown belt.

The final was a very tight contest, but Ben eventually had to settle for silver. He has now won a medal on all three of his appearances at the Kent International.

Ben started judo aged 12 at Bexhill AA Judo Club and has progressed fantastically well. He is now a member of the Kent judo squad and recently represented Kent at the inter-counties team event.

Ben won the British Schools’ Championship last year and is currently ranked 15th in the country in the under-18 age group.

Pippa and Ben are ex-pupils at St Peter & St Paul’s Primary School in Bexhill, and train at Tonbridge Judo Club three times weekly in addition to Pippa’s gymnastics and Ben’s jujitsu. They both have a busy summer and autumn in store, with a training camp at Camberley Judo Club, and competitions in Birmingham, Belgium and Cardiff planned in preparation for the British Championships in December.