TEENAGER Val Agafonov continued his remarkable first year of competitive judo by taking bronze medal in the British National age banded Championships in Sheffield. The result means Val, a City of Ely Community College student, has finished on the podium i

TEENAGER Val Agafonov continued his remarkable first year of competitive judo by taking bronze medal in the British National age banded Championships in Sheffield.

The result means Val, a City of Ely Community College student, has finished on the podium in all of his competitions.

The 14-year-old qualified for the nationals in August by taking his grading to 10th mon (green belt) but had to fight players with much higher grades.

Coach Howard Oates said: "Val was disappointed as he felt he could have done better but his training has been hampered by injury and illness. But he still has another year in the under 16 age group.

"He has done remarkably well and with a little more experience Val could make it to the top levels in the sport.