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Former judo world and European
champion Loretta Cusack inspired the next generation of female
stars as she took a women and girls session at the University
of Warwick on Sunday 31 October.
The session was staged
as part of the British Judo Association’s Women and Girls initiative
which was is funded by Sport England. Over 20 players turned out
to train with the distinguished 7th Dan who is regarded as one
of the Britain’s finest ever female fighters.
Cusack, a three-time European
champion, represented Britain from the age of 13 until she retired
aged 30. The intervening years saw her cultivate a glittering
career and move from her native London to train and compete out
of Edinburgh where she resides today.
The session was organised
by British Judo’s Widening the Market Manager Joyce Heron and
Technical Officer Kerry Finney, themselves both accomplished former
British internationals.
“It is still amazing to
see how smooth, dynamic and precise she is when demonstrating
some of her favourite techniques,” said Joyce.
“The female players enjoyed
a fun, action packed day, with there being an opportunity to train
alongside other female players and learn from some of Britain’s
leading female judo coaches.”
“Although most of the day
was technically based, support Coach Carol Doherty from Oxford
University Judo Club, challenged everyone with one of her famous
judo circuits, ensuring they all went home with a healthy glow.”
The 1996 Olympic Games
judoka added: “We have to thank Sophie Cox from the University
of Warwick, the coaches and players for making the day so enjoyable.
Without Sophie’s help in organising the day, it would have not
have been the great success that it was.”
Kerry Finney said: “There
is no doubt that one of the main benefits of these sessions is
the opportunity for women and girls to apply their technique against
females of a similar size and weight.”
The next women and girls
sessions will take place at Bristol University on Sunday 14 November
and York Railway Institute on Saturday 11 December.
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