Judo: Future looks bright for Brit fighters

BRITISH Judo Association performance director Nigel Donohue is confident his fighters can deliver stand-out performances at the European Championships in Hungary as they continue on the road towards the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

With London 2012 medallists Gemma Gibbons and Karina Bryant recovering from injuries, the event starting today in Budapest offers up-and-coming judoka in the 16-strong group a chance to impress as the BJA looks towards the future.

Scottish fighter Sally Conway will aim to build on her impressive under-70kg gold at the recent Samsun Grand Prix, while Ashley McKenzie will be out to push up his lightweight world ranking. Promising youngster Nekoda Davis will be out 
to make an impression at under-57kgs.

Donohue believes the British team can lay down a marker with results this weekend.

“British players are starting to be consistent performers at international level,” he said. “It is a major championship and, on their day, our guys can perform and hopefully get the results they desire.”