A Witchford student has won a bronze medal at the 2018 British Schools Judo Championship in Sheffield.
Around 400 different schools from across the country were represented by around 700 young judo players over the course of the two day event.
Yonas Aldous was entered to the national championships after he won a gold medal representing Witchford Village College in the Eastern Area British Schools Championships at the end of last year in Thetford.
Yonas took part in the national championships and competed in the U50kg section of the year 6 and 7 age group.
Yonas unfortunately lost his first contest against a tough opponent from Maes Y Gwendraeth School in Wales who attacked with a combination of throws to score two ‘Wazarai’ scores - and so Yonas entered the ‘repechage’ with a slim chance to win a spot in the contest for 3rd place and a bronze medal.
Yonas showed great judo skill and determination beating opponents from The Featherby School in Kent and from The Kings Academy in Middlesborough and earning his place in the contest for a bronze medal and third place.
Yonas’s opponent in the bronze medal contest was from St Dominics School in Scotland and he had a good height advantage which he used to dominate the opening minute of the contest and won a ‘wazarai’ score - claiming the lead.
As the contest entered the second minute Yonas skilfully turned his opponents power and direction back against him and scored an ‘Ippon’ with a sweeping counter throw - ‘O-Soto-Gari’ - ending the contest and winning the bronze medal for Witchford Village College.
Littleport Judo Club’ senior coach Ray Taylor said “For Yonas to win this bronze medal for his school at his first ever national event is a fantastic achievement.
“I know Yonas really enjoys his judo and regularly trains three or four times a week, often visiting our friends at Comberton Judo Club and Kings Ely Judo Club for extra training.
“His positive attitude has paid off - the British Schools Championships is not an easy event to win a medal at with judo players travelling the length of the country to take part.
“This really is a great achievement for him and his school. I know Yonas has also been helping as a young assistant coach both at Littleport and a new club in his village of Witcham - he is a good role model for the new players who come along to the clubs.
“We hope his school is as proud of his success and his sporting attitude as we are at Littleport Judo Club.”
Yonas said: “I was very nervous to go out and compete in front of so many people at such a big venue and I knew that the contests were going to be hard - but once the referee had started the contest it was just like training with my friends at the club.
“I forgot about all the people and only thought of my judo. I still find it hard to believe I won the bronze medal. It was a great experience and a fantastic day for me and I was proud to be there representing my school - Witchford Village College. “
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