'My journey to becoming a two time National Champion' Amelia Alder

A Q&A session with GHS very own Judo Champion, Amelia Alder.

What is your sport?

My sport is judo. It’s a martial art where you have to try and throw your opponent or hold them down for twenty seconds or strangle/arm lock them for a submission. It’s hard work and very physically demanding but great fun!

What age did you start?

I started aged 8, when i was in year 3. None of my family including myself knew much about judo until I watched a session going on in my school hall while my mum was filling out some forms in the office. The coach started talking to me and I joined the session a week later.

What level do you play at?

I compete at an European level with my club (I’m too young to be in the England or GB squad). I am the current double British Champion having won 2 out of 2 Nationals. I have also won National schools and National Teams. Last year I also achieved bronze at the Commonwealth Judo Championships despite only moving up into that age category 2 weeks before hand.

How did lockdown impact your sport?

Lockdown has made contact training impossible. I could run and do strength work but the only way of getting judo fit is by doing judo. It was hard to keep motivated and disciplined, training every other day especially when my coach wasn’t shouting at me! Contact training is still not allowed so we can only do cardio and strength but I’m surrounded by friends and coaches now which makes the sessions really enjoyable (I think I laugh more at a judo session than I do in a whole week). I feel stronger and fitter now too after a good rest in lockdown

Goals for this season?

My goals for this year (once judo starts up again) is to become more confident in my techniques so that when I get to compete again I have a variety of throws rather then just a handful at my disposal. I would also like to win a few more medals out in Europe.

Career highlight?

My highlight so far must be winning the Belgium Open in late February. It is a highly regarded event with judoka attending from all around the world, including Japan. I went with my club and judo friends. Previously, I have struggled to compete abroad due to lack of sleep and confidence, but I felt good all the way through the day. After 4 incredibly hard contests, the semi-final only being won in the last 3 seconds- I was in the final. I felt sharp and up for the last contest. I threw the girl twice for a half score each time resulting in a win after only a minute and a half! (Contests are 3 minutes). I was so happy to end the day with my first European. It was a long day though – we met at midnight, drove through the early hours to arrive at the venue at 7am, and I only fought from 6 TIL 7!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I hope that I will be in the GB squad, fighting in junior events around the world including the Youth Olympics.

The final National team championships (team southern vs the National Scottish side) 2019.

Amelia's National final 2019 - the winning throw!