Karen Briggs has become the fourth Briton to be inducted in to the International Judo Federation Hall of Fame. Karen was honoured at a special event at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana ahead of the 2015 World Judo Championships. 

Hull born Briggs won the first of four World titles as an 18 year old and also went on win 10 European Championship medals during a stellar career. When women’s judo was added to the Olympic programme for the 1992 Barcelona Games, Karen became one of the sport’s first female Olympians. 

The -48kg judoka dubbed a ‘pocket-sized fighting machine’ in the British media, was also a torch bearer ahead of the London 2012 Olympics. 

Karen, who was promoted to 8^th Dan in June by the European Judo Union, now coaches the next generation of judoka at a School of Judo named in her honour in her native Hull. 

“I am very privileged and honoured to be inducted into the IJF Hall of Fame”, said Karen. 

Karen also paid tribute to former coach Roy Inman: “I am very saddened that my coach Roy Inman is not here, he was our rock on the British women’s team in the 80s. 

“I’d like to thank the IJF, it is great to be here, thank you all”, Karen added. 

Congratulations to Karen on behalf of everyone at the British Judo Association.