Sean Allan from Castle Douglas took the gold medal whilst representing GB at the European Judo Union’s European II (Intellectual Impairment) Judo Championships in Venray at the weekend.
Sean is now the new European Champion, which is a huge achievement. Sean has a global learning disability, but has managed to overcome the challenges this has put in his way to excel in judo. His disability makes it more difficult for him to learn techniques and to retain information, however through hard work, he has been able to get past these issues.
Another two players, from Castle Douglas Judo Club, Kieran Carson and Sam Brown have been part of JudoScotland’s Talent Development Performance squad for a couple of years. Kieran and Sam both won the JudoScotland Grand Prix league this year (a series of 4 events through the year, with points based on placings), I have attached a photo with their trophies.
Kieran has also recently become Scottish Champion, despite moving up the a new age group (Cadets) where he is the youngest of a 3 year age band. Kieran won all his matches against some older players, taking the title. I have attached an image of Kieran with his medal.
Sam came 7th in this event, having not only also moved up to the Cadet age group, but also moved up a weight group, being the lightest in a group of 19 players.
