British Judo’s Commonwealth stars are ready for the 2014 International Judo Federation (IJF) Zagreb Grand Prix taking place in Croatia from 12-14 September, writes Donna Richardson.

The IJF World Tour event is a chance for players to gain vital world-ranking points ahead of Rio 2016 and British Judo is sending a strong team.

Commonwealth Champions Nekoda Davis (57kg), Megan Fletcher (-70kg), Natalie Powell (-78kg), Sarah Adlington (+78kg), Ashley McKenzie (-60kg) and Colin Oates (-66kg) will all be in action.

Colin said: “After a frustrating World Championships, I feel that Croatia offers me an opportunity to put to bed my disappointments and try to move into my rest period (which is due straight after this event) with a feeling of satisfaction which can only be gained my winning medals. So there is only one outcome that I which to achieve this weekend and that is a podium finish.”

Olympian Sally Conway (-70kg) and Gary Hall (-90kg) who both took bronze medals in Glasgow will be in action.

“I’m looking forward to fighting again after the world championships,” said Sally.
“I’m feeling fit and strong. If I can put in a good performance in Croatia I will be very happy. I believe if I give a good performance I can come away with a medal.”

Her fellow London 2012 team-mate Gemma Howell (-63kg) will also be fighting.

It is Howell’s first international competition following injury, however she is in great form having recently taken a silver medal at the Heart of England competition. She has also been in training with the senior team in Portugal and thus feels ready for action.

“I am very excited to be back fighting. My first competition was the Heart of England and I have the Croatia Grand Prix this weekend. My knee has healed up well. I had MCL reconstruction and the meniscus taken out. It’s been a long rehabilitation process but I am glad to be back.”

Olympic silver medallist Gemma Gibbons (-78kg) was due to compete but will sit on the sidelines due to injury.

Gary added: I’m looking forward to Croatia as this will be my first Grand Prix. Having had a successful year so far, I feel very confident going into the event. I’m hoping to pick up some more valuable points towards Rio.

Lead women’s coach Kate Howey, MBE, said: “I am looking forward to Croatia as there are some players competing that have been out for a while due to to injury so it will be interesting to see how they go. It is also the first outing for the the two girls that went to the worlds, so they will be wanting to put in a good performance.”

Interim men’s coach Jean Paul Bell said: “I’m looking forward to this event, which gives the athletes a good chance for Olympic qualification points post World Championships.”

Follow the action live on ippon tv and on //www.ippon.org/gp_cro2014.php

Friday Sept 12
10:00 to 17:00
Women: -48kg, -52kg, -57kg
Men: -60 kg, -66 kg
Preliminary fights on three mats
Final Block on one mat

Saturday Sept 13
10:00 Preliminaries
17:00 Final Block
Women: -63kg -70kg and Men: -73kg -81kg,

Sunday September 14
First block 10:00
Final Block 17:00
Women: -78kg, +78kg and Men: -90kg, -100kg, +100kg

Image by Mike Varey. Elite Pix.