Team Scotland and JudoScotland have confirmed that 31 year James Austin has been forced to withdraw from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in the Judo -100kg weight category due to a knee injury.

The Edinburgh based judoka said: “I’m truly gutted to be missing out on the Games. I tried to work through the injury and would like to thank everyone at JudoScotland for supporting me with this. I want to say good luck to the team, and I hope to be there cheering them all on to medals.”

Austin will be replaced by James Millar (32), a three-time British Champion who brings a wealth of experience to Team Scotland. James is coached by JudoScotland National Coach and fellow Team Scotland athlete Euan Burton at the national centre at Ratho in Edinburgh.

Jon Doig, Team Scotland Chef de Mission said: “It is hugely disappointing to lose James Austin so close to the Games, and we wish him a very speedy recovery.

“The thoughts of the Team are with him as we all know how much this meant to him. The health of our athletes is our priority in situations such as this and although he won’t be competing, his continued support for the Team will be welcomed by all athletes as they take to the tatami from 24 July.”

Millar will join his fellow judoka with immediate effect in their final preparations.

James Millar
Event: -66KG

Age: 32: 01/09/1981
Height: 160cm
Weight: 66kg
Occupation: Judo Coach

Born: Inverness

Lives: Edinburgh

Hometown: Invergordon

Coach: Euan Burton

Club: JudoScotland

Commonwealth Games representation: 2014

Achievements:

2014 Pan American Open Montevideo, -66KG, Fifth

2012 British Championships, -60KG, Silver

2011 Estonia World Cup, -60KG, Silver

2011 Scottish Open Championships, -60KG, Silver

Pictured James Millar.