12 year old Mary Tomblin from Vale Judo Club has been crowned Junior Sportswoman of the Year at the 5^th Annual Leicester Mercury Sports Awards. 

The gala evening was held at Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road Stadium to recognised the achievements of sportsmen and women from across Leicestershire and Rutland over the last 12 months. 

In the last year, Mary won a hat-trick of medals at the British Schools Championships, British Minors Championships (both golds) and the National Team Championships (bronze). The -40kg judoka also claimed medals at the Samurai Open (bronze), Welland Invitational (gold), Eastern Area Open (gold), Littleport low grades (bronze) and the Eastern Area low grades (gold). 

11^th Mon Mary started doing judo when she was seven at Vale Judo Club. She recently qualified for the 2016 British Schools Championships after winning a gold medal at the Midlands qualification event. She also claimed a silver medal at the Midlands Age Band competition in Walsall last month. 

“I am proud to be receiving this award for Judo. I am thankful to my coach and the friends I have made through Judo”, said Mary upon receiving her award from multi Paralympic medallist Dan Greaves and European Cross Country Champion Gemma Steel. 

Vale Judo’s academy coach, Mike Newton congratulated Mary on her award: “Mary deserves all of her recent successes as she is a hard worker and determined competitor. She is currently competing as a first year pre-cadet and is seeking a place in the England squad”.

The Leicester Mercury Sports Awards also raises money for the Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.  

Picture courtesy of Mike Sewell