Golden Start
Thornaby Judo Club is celebrating after five members returned from the Durham Under 18 Judo Championships with a haul of trophies. The championships, held at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham, were the first real competitive challenge for the club as it was formed just six months ago.
Head coach, 74-year-old Joe Glynn decided to resurrect Judo in Thornaby using his 50 years of coaching experience, and the club based at Thornaby Pavilion, has already starting reaping the rewards.
The girls from the club were throwing all the right moves to accomplish their medal haul. Kate Chapman fought her way to a Gold medal in the under 48k weight category, Robyn Christon achieved silver in the U63k, while Emily Christon brought home a silver medal for the U28k category.
Ryan Christon and James Smith-Storrow had a strong hold on the boys under 34k weight category, bringing home silver and bronze respectively.
A delighted Joe Glynn said “There is no better feeling when one of your pupils is standing on the podium collecting a medal and deep down inside you feel you have contributed to their success”.
“The Club is still developing and hopefully over the course of time our medal count at future tournaments will increase. Our main focus is on all our members being disciplined and enjoying their sport.”
If you are interested in getting to grips with Judo, Thornaby Pavilion is holding classes on Tuesdays and Fridays 6.30-7.30pm for children aged 6-11 years of age and 7.30-8.30pm for children aged 12 and above. If you require further details contact Thornaby Pavilion on (01642) 760971.