Silver for Sophie

Sophie Johnstone won silver in the u52kg class at the Commonwealth Judo competition at Derry. Johnstone opened with a fine Ippon and then proceeded to repeat the performance against her next opponents, only to lose to in the final round.

This followed a disappointing outing at the Finnish international last month and goes to prove she is resilient enough to recover from an international loss, boding well for her Olympic target.

Meanwhile, a Lewes old boy is doing well. Simon Childs, who now trains at Brighton Judo Club, has had an excellent run of wins against international competitors. He retained his American Canadian title for the second year running and followed this by winning silver in the North of England Championships.

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He was also going well in the Commonwealth Members Championship but had to retire unbeaten through injury. These successes have left him needing just six points for his 5th Dan.

Heather Stewart, her brother Michael and Sophie Curtis were in action at the Hampshire Open. Heather Stewart got the bronze in the u48kg while Sophie also scored bronze. Michael Stewart had to retire through injury and missed out on the medals.