Andrew McWatt To Represent Team Scotland Judo at Birmingham 2022
Andrew McWatt from Garioch Judo club has been selected to represent Team Scotland in the +100kg category at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, following Christopher Sherrington's withdrawal. Sherrington was hoping to make a comeback at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games following double ACL surgery last year, however, he has had to withdraw from the games due to injury.
Commenting on the news, Judith McCleary, JudoScotland CEO said, “We are pleased that Andrew will be joining Team Scotland at Birmingham 2022 for his first Commonwealth Games. Although we are disappointed that Chris will not be returning to the upcoming Games to try and retain his title his well-being is the most important thing. We wish him a speedy recovery.”
Andrew added “I am feeling very excited to be competing at my first commonwealth games. Always an honour to represent my country, especially at an event like this. After returning to competition from injury early this year and in a new weight category I’m glad I have the opportunity to perform in Birmingham next week.”
The Judo competition will be taking place at Coventry Arena between the 1st – 3rd of August.
The Gathering Is Back with A Boom As We Celebrate Its 10 Year Anniversary!
JudoScotland is delighted that our flagship coach development event is back for its 10th Year. From its conception, the gathering has hosted some incredible guests from the world of Judo including Go Tsunoda, Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki and Hidetoshi Nakanishi, as well as homegrown talents such as Euan Burton and the Glasgow 2014 medallists.
This year will be no different, as we line up Three-time World Champion Masashi Ebinuma to lead a weekend full of Judo! We will also welcome a selection of other guests including Neil Adams MBE 9th Dan, Greg Valentine the lead physical preparation coach for JudoScotland and the sportscotland institute of sport, Dr Andy Dalziell, a child development specialist who co-designed the Better Movers & Thinkers programme. The content this year is designed to bring the new JudoScotland Player development Framework, launching in September, to life in a practical way.
But the Gathering is about so much more than what happens on the mat! Don’t just take our word for it, here is what last year's attendees had to say;
“I like the fact for me it’s the opportunity to learn from others whether it’s the world-class coaches or your Uke or others around on the Tatami, to learn and to have that shared experience. I also like how it’s the coming together of our Scottish Judo community (although it's open to all) to mutually benefit all and to meet, train, socialise and have some fun !!”
“A great opportunity to catch up with friends from other clubs, have a bit of a social and take part in excellently coached sessions.”
“Very good Judo sessions. There was a very friendly atmosphere all weekend. A nice venue. Everyone involved was approachable and helpful.”
Spaces are filling up fast for this year, so if you would like to be part of what is set to be an epic event, book your space now! For more information and to book your space click here.
Team Scotland Judo Competition Kit Unveiled
The Team Scotland Competition Judo Kit was today unveiled for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The unveiling took place as the Team prepares at their final training camp ahead of next week’s opening ceremony.
Glasgow 2014 Gold Medallist Kimberley Renicks to Join Team Scotland Ahead of Birmingham 2022
Team Scotland and JudoScotland have today announced that Glasgow 2014 Gold medallist Kimberley Renicks will join Team Scotland’s Judo team for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The announcement was made today as part of the JudoScotland competition kit unveiling as the Team prepares for their final training camp ahead of next week’s opening ceremony.
Kimberley heads into the Games on a high following a gold medal win at the Winterthur Senior European Cup last weekend, where fellow Team Scotland teammates Malin Wilson (-57kg), Rachel Tytler (-78kg) and Sarah Adlington (+78kg) also medalled.
Commenting on her selection, Kimberley said, “I am excited because it is my second Games, and I will be fighting at a different weight so it will be a different experience from Glasgow 2014. It was difficult through the Covid period, and I knew that fighting a weight above I would be up against two other athletes during qualification. I am happy to have been selected and I will try and go out with a bang.”
Kimberley (-52kg) will join a team of 11 Judoka representing Team Scotland following the withdrawal of Hannah Wood from the Games due to injury.
Hannah Wood to Withdraw from the Commonwealth Games
JudoScotland is disappointed to confirm that Hannah Wood (-52kg) has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham later this month due to injury.
Commenting on the news, Judith McCleary, JudoScotland CEO said, “Although this news is disappointing, especially so close to the games, ensuring an athlete's welfare is always the most important thing. I would like to wish Hannah a speedy recovery and I look forward to seeing what she will achieve in her judo career in the future."
JudoScotland is working with Commonwealth Games Scotland to confirm a replacement athlete, more details to follow soon.
Scottish Judoka Daniel Givan Selected For Banská Bystrica 2022 European Youth Olympic Festival
Team GB will take a squad of 10 judoka to compete at the Summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) taking place in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia from 24 to 30 July 2022, including Daniel Givan (66kg) from Danderhall Judo Club.
Banská Bystrica 2022 will see around 3,500 athletes and officials represent 48 European nations across 10 Olympic sports. Team GB’s athletes, who will all be aged 13-18 at the event, will compete in five sports: badminton, cycling, gymnastics, judo, and swimming. Athletics, basketball, handball, tennis, and volleyball complete the sporting programme.
EYOFs play an important role in the development of young British athletes, providing crucial multi-sport event experience and guiding them towards realising their Olympic ambitions. Many athletes who have competed for Team GB at a summer EYOF have gone on to compete at an Olympic Games, including Rebecca Adlington (Paris 2003 EYOF), Dina Asher-Smith (Trabzon 2011), Nile Wilson (Utrecht 2013), Amy Tinkler (Utrecht 2013), Tom Pidcock (Tblisi 2015) and more.
Leading the Team GB delegation as Chef de Mission at Banksá Bystrica 2022 will be Lizzie Simmonds, who competed in the Lignano Sabbiadoro 2005 EYOF before going on to represent Team GB at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games. She is also current chair of the British Olympic Association’s Athletes’ Commission.
Simmonds said: “Being selected for Team GB for the first time is a real honour and privilege, and I’m sure today marks a very proud moment for the 40 talented athletes that have qualified for Banská Bystrica 2022.
“Youth Olympic Festivals are a hugely important events, offering young athletes invaluable international competition and the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in a multi-sport environment. Embracing and learning from an experience like this one can be the first step in a journey towards competing for Team GB at a senior Olympic Games.
“Having experienced an EYOF myself as an athlete, I’m now looking forward to welcoming a new generation of sporting superstars to Team GB, and supporting them to perform at their best on the European stage this summer.”
2022 Commonwealth Games Judo Tickets
Join us in supporting Team Scotland at JudoScotland’s dedicated supporter zone for the 2022 Commonwealth Games!
We have limited tickets available to purchase through our members zone for the judo competition taking place between 1-3 August at Coventry Arena
Gold medallists at Glasgow 2014, Sarah Adlington and Chris Sherrington lead an exciting line-up of 11 judoka with the remaining nine judoka making their debut as the sport returns to the Games programme.
With the Games being so close to home, this is a fantastic opportunity to get behind the team and share in the experience.
The JudoScotland Grand Prix (2023 - 2025) Tender Process is Open!
Do you want to have a positive impact on the Scottish Judo events programme? We are pleased to announce the opening of the JudoScotland Grand Prix tender process for 2023 – 2025.
The purpose behind the delivery of the JS Grand Prix Events series is to provide competition experience that supports the development of judoka within positive, enjoyable and developmentally appropriate environments, in line with The JudoScotland Player Development Framework.
Whether you have hosted a Grand Prix before or if you have never considered it before but believe you can host a great event, we would like to encourage you to submit an application.
The deadline for submission is 8 August 2022.
Three Scottish Judoka Ready for Birmingham 2022 Experience with Achieve Programme
Scottish Judoka Sunny Doig, Gregor Miller and David Scobbie will join a group of 66 up-and-coming athletes and coaches in a multi-games experience in Birmingham later this month as part of the 2022 Achieve programme.
They will be supported by a network of mentors with an impressive range of backgrounds and experiences to call on.
Travelling to Birmingham in two groups, the participants will get a feel for a large Games environment, from attending sport sessions to taking part in bespoke workshops.
First run in 2010, when 45 young athletes and coaches travelled to the Dehli Commonwealth Games, Achieve has since seen a further 90 participants go through the programme. Many have since made the step-up to compete or coach for Team Scotland at a Commonwealth Games.
The scheme, supported by the Team Scotland Youth Trust and sportscotland, aims to propel more future stars into sporting success, whilst helping them develop a host of vital and transferrable skills.
The programme is led by Achieve Director Kevin Moran, who participated in Achieve 2010 before representing Team Scotland in Squash at Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018.
Kevin said: “We are delighted to welcome the 66 athletes and coaches onto Achieve 2022.
“The Achieve Programme has the potential to be a really significant step in the development of some of Scotland’s up and coming athletes and coaches, showing what it takes to be part of Team Scotland.
“It was a significant stage in my progression as an athlete and I’m sure the participants will get as much out of it as I did.
“We have a really strong mentor group from a diverse range of backgrounds who will pass on their knowledge and experience, and the schedule of activities will be enjoyable and challenging for the participants.
“We look forward to seeing everyone in Birmingham.”
Jon Doig, Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “I’d like to extend my welcome to the participants and mentors.
“Your first Games experience can be a step into the unknown, so this programme is a key part of our strategy to prepare athletes and support staff to perform for Team Scotland at future events.
“Importantly it also develops a lot of key core skills, so even if the athletes and coaches never make that final step, they will still hugely benefit from their experience
at Birmingham 2022.”
Gavin Hastings, Chair of Team Scotland Youth Trust, said: “Congratulations to the aspiring athletes and coaches on their selection.
“The Team Scotland Youth Trust exists to support the next generation of athletes on their sporting journey, and the Achieve Programme can be a key part of that development.
“We look forward to seeing them in Birmingham.”
Team Camp: Image Credit Craig Watson
News From the Chair
A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from June:
Hi Judo Community,
A quick update from me on events in June in the judo world.
Since our last update, Ronnie Saez and Andrew Scoular from British Judo came up to Scotland to present the BJA strategy going forward. Our full board, Vice Presidents plus several member clubs all attended the session, which we found of particular interest, given that we are currently working on a strategy for JudoScotland. My thanks go to all those involved.
On 4th June, a few colleagues from the Judo world and I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of Andy Miller and his new wife, Paula, in Gifford, East Lothian. For those of you who don’t know, Andy worked for JudoScotland for several years. It was an absolutely beautiful and joyous day and we wish Andy, Paula and the boys all the very best for their future life together.
The next day – I attended the excellently presented Nage No Kata course in Kilmarnock. I’d like to thank Paul McGuinness, Paul Laverty and Alex Reid for organising and running this extremely informative event for JudoScotland. I certainly learned a lot!
Later that week we had the announcement that 11 judoka have been picked to represent Scotland at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. I wish them all the best and looking forward to seeing them in action in early August.
And, on 18th June we had the very well-run and well-attended Granite City Grand Prix. Again, thanks for all the organisation and help there.
And now, a few congratulations are in order.
- First of all, well done to Billy Cusack for receiving the IJF Master Coach Award – brilliant recognition for a life dedicated to judo.
- Also to Gary Edwards on achieving his 7th Judith McCleary and I went to Tulliallan on 14th to see the programme and to present Gary with his award.
- Special mention must also go to Rick Kenney, our VP, who was successfully nominated to be Scottish representative on the British Judo Council
- And finally, congratulations to Ronnie Saez on being elected to the role of Education Director on the European Judo Union Executive. It has been many years since a Scot held such an influential and important position, and a great honour for Ronnie and Scotland.
- And, from those towards the pinnacle of their judo career, to those starting out….fabulous to hear Judith’s son, at the tender age of 5, has taken up judo and won his first player of the week award. Many congratulations go to Glen!
And finally, we are now at around 90% of our pre-covid membership – and growing! I’d like to thank all of our coaches, clubs and Judo Scotland colleagues for all the tremendous work that’s gone on to get us back up there. Keep it going guys!
You can certainly never say that the judo world is boring!! More from me next month!
Marc Preston
JudoScotland Chair