Local Heroes: Clark eyeing an upturn in Morocco

The 19-year-old is the first to admit she has struggled for consistency this year, instead focusing on developing her judo technique ahead of her imminent move into the senior ranks, which she will make after the North African event.

Clark's on-mat troubles were no better illustrated than at the European Junior Judo Championships in Bulgaria last month where she bowed out in the first round. But despite admitting she already has one eye on her move to mix it with the judo big girls, Clark is adamant she can make it a medal-laden swansong in Morocco.

"To be honest this year I have been concentrating on my judo getting better than on the actual results," she said.

"I have been focusing on all areas of my judo and while I haven't been getting the results I would have hoped for I have been happy with the improvements I have seen in my judo. I am still a junior too, so I know I have time on my side, and I want to keep on improving while I am younger.

"I had the junior Europeans and went out ion the first round but it was one of the biggest competitions I have been involved in so it was a good experience. I am obviously hoping to get a medal in Morocco but I just want to do better than I did in my last major outing.

"I hope to get London 2012 but I do hold out more hope to getting to 2016. Even if I don't make it I will make sure I still go along to soak up the atmosphere and make sure I get enough experience for 2016. But I do think that London 2012 is a realistic target for me."

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