Scotland’s highly decorated judoka, Sarah Adlington, took to the tatami for the final time at Glasgow 2026 before retiring from competitive judo, bringing the curtain down on an outstanding career. Her achievements, dedication and sportsmanship have left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of athletes across Scotland and beyond.
Sarah leaves the sport as one of the most successful judoka to ever represent Scotland. Competing in the +78kg category for both Scotland and Great Britain, she has enjoyed success on the Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic stages while becoming a role model for countless young people.
Her name is forever etched in Scottish sporting history following her gold medal-winning performances at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. By claiming Commonwealth titles eight years apart, Sarah became the first Scottish judoka to win two Commonwealth Games gold medals, a remarkable achievement made even more impressive by judo’s absence from the 2018 Gold Coast Games programme. Returning to Glasgow this Year, Sarah had the honour of leading Team Scotland as the Kings Baton Bearer at the Opening Ceremony before going on to compete in her third Games for Scotland.
In 2021, Sarah fulfilled a lifelong ambition by representing Team GB at the Tokyo Olympic Games, adding an Olympic appearance to an already distinguished career that has seen her compete against the very best athletes in the world.
While her achievements on the competition mat are extraordinary, Sarah’s influence reaches far beyond medals and titles.
Sarah is far more than an accomplished athlete. As a coach, mentor and role model, she has a profound impact at every level of the sport, inspiring and supporting judoka within her club EdinburghJudo and across the wider community.
Sarah has also been a powerful advocate for women and girls in sport, as a valued mentor to younger athletes. Drawing on her extensive international experience, she has supported countless judoka as they transitioned from junior to senior competition, offering guidance, encouragement and insight as they prepared for major events on the world stage.
As Sarah steps away from competitive judo, she leaves behind a legacy defined not only by historic sporting achievements, but also by the lives she has touched throughout her career. Her impact on Scottish judo, her club, her teammates and the wider community will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Everyone at JudoScotland would like to thank Sarah for her outstanding contribution to the sport and wish her every success in the next chapter of her journey.
