Schoolgirl Emily Baker might be small for her age – but she sure knows how to throw her weight about! Emily was one of four pupils entered in the British Schools Judo Association National Individual Championships by the Mid-Sussex Martial Arts School in Haywards Heath. Despite being quite diminutive for her 14 years and at the lower end of her weight group, Emily fought off opposition from all over the country to take third place and a Bronze medal in her class.

Emma Singer, Head of Girls’ games said: “These Championships are for players who wish to seriously progress in Competitive Judo, so we were impressed by Emily, who has only just started her competitive Judo career.

“She fought very well against experienced Competition Players, to take Bronze, 

remaining calm as she competed at the lower end of her weight category.

“We are also delighted to report that her excellent etiquette was commented on by one of the Referees.”

Other MSMAS competitors who took part in the contest, held at the Welsh Institute of Sport in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, were Martyn Woodhead and Shelley Jackson from Warden Park School, Haywards Heath, who took gold and silver and Gus O’Grady from The Beacon, Crowborough, who also took bronze in his age group.