Great Britain has won two medals at the European Cadet Championships, which took place in Miskolc, Hungary, at the weekend (23-25th June) – a silver won Scarlott Woolcok and a bronze won by Rebecca Telfer.

Scarlett Woolcock, from Newton Abbot, Devon, won silver in the –70kg weight category. The 16-year-old, who trains at the Tamar Judo Centre, beat Anka Pogacnik of Slovenia, Marta Ferrari of Italy, and Olga Pochkina of Russia in the early rounds to take her place in the final against Zsuzsa David of Hungary.

However, in the final the Hungarian proved to have the edge on home soil taking the lead on scores in the early part of the closely fought match, forcing Woolcock to take chances. And despite showing the ability to turn things around the young Brit was caught out in the final minute, leaving her with the silver medal. Tia Berger of Germany and Olga Pochknia of Russia finished with bronze medals.

Rebecca Telfer, from Leicester, won Britain’s second medal, a bronze in the +70kg weight category. The 15-year-old won her first match against Aurore Quintin of France but lost her second against Russian, Regina Kapaeva. The defeat left Tefler in the repechage where she dominated all her opponents - Benadett Bodo of Hungary, Angelika Sopp of Spain, and Elpida Aslanidou of Greece - winning all three with the maximum ippon score.

The win for Telfer against Aslanidou of Greece put her on the medal rostum behind Luise Malzahn of Germany who won gold and Regina Kapeva of Russia who won silver. Slovenia Barbara Ban won the second bronze in the +70kg weight category.

Three members of the British squad finished just outside the medals. Kelly Edwards, from Telford, finished in 5 th place in the –48kg weight category after losing the bronze medal match against Shahar Levy of Israel. Gemma Howell, also from Telford, narrowly missed out on bronze losing to German Alexandrea Sebald to finish 5th . Georgina Davies, from London, also finished with a 5th place in the -63kg weight category, losing only in the bronze medal match to Abigel Joo of Hungary.

Emily Hickman in the –44kg weight category, and Liam Frankin in the –50kg weight category, both finished in 7th place.

Commenting on the results, World Class Start Manager Rowena Birch said, “We are delighted to come away two medals in such a strong field. Both Scarlett and Rebecca proved their potential and performed on the European stage.

“In addition to the two medals won, it is worth noting that we had five players in medal contests over the weekend. And although three narrowly missed out on rostrum places they all showed they are capable of winning at this level.”

2006 European Cadet Squad

Full Team