Two-time Olympian Colin Oates has joined the British Judo World-Class Performance Programme (WCPP) as Elite Performance Coach (EPC) Junior Programme Support.

The 34 year old recently announced his retirement from competitive judo and will be based at the British Judo Centre of Excellence in Walsall.

The Norfolk judoka, who is also a two-time European Championship medallist, will work alongside EPC Junior Programme Lead Matt Purssey to support the development of Junior athletes on the WCPP.

Nigel Donohue, British Judo Performance Director, is excited to welcome Colin onboard as a member of the coaching team:

“Colin is a very welcome addition to the coaching team on the WCPP. We have a real wealth of coaching expertise and experience already and Colin will add to that.

“As a player, he always had a very sound technical and tactical understanding and as a recent competitor at the highest level we think his knowledge will be really positive for our Junior athletes.

“We also see this appointment as a fantastic opportunity to develop the next generation of coaches for the long term future of British Judo.

“Not only is it important to build a system and pathway for athletes, but it is also critical that we develop coaches who can lead the programme in years to come.

“Colin is at the start of his coaching journey, his invaluable experience as a competitor will no doubt be advantageous to our Junior athletes and we see this as an opportunity to develop him as an Elite coach over the coming years. This is a fantastic appointment for British Judo.”