TEESSIDE judoka Rachel Jackson celebrated on two fronts after winning her second national title and securing a call-up to Britain’s international junior judo team.
Jackson, who is 19, represents the Tees Valley Judo Club, based in Middlesbrough.
She won her third national gold medal at the British National Judo Championships, which were held at the Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
Although she only recently moved into the junior women’s under 63 kg category, the teenager has successfully passed the various preliminary stages of the national championships.
Another confident semifinal performance secured him a spot in the final, and after taking the lead via an ippon, when an opponent is thrown to the ground, Jackson saw the fight unfold with an impressive series of basic moves. .
Her victory earned her a third national title, meaning she is now able to wear the coveted “Gold Fs” on her judo suit. The “Gold Fs” are only awarded to judokas who have won three gold medals at the national championships.
In addition to securing him a third national title, Jackson’s performances at Sheffield also cemented his place in Britain’s junior squad, which fuels the senior course for Olympic-level athletes.
Jackson trains with his 19-year-old sister, Eve, who has also competed in the national championships and finished fifth in the same junior women’s under 63 kg section.
The couple’s coach Liam Doody was unable to attend the competition due to Covid, with Simon Church providing mat training that day.