London 2012 Olympian Karina Bryant visited Mid Cornwall Judo Kwai shortly after announcing her retirement from competitive judo to spend some time on the mat, teaching her young fans and answering their questions.

On Saturday 3 August, exactly a year to the date she won her Olympic bronze, Karina joined London 2012 Paralympian Ben Quilter, along with Beijing 2008 and and Neil Adams (Moscow 1980 and LA 1984 Olympian) in Newquay.

It was all in aid of celebrations for the club’s 25th anniversary and with the news of Karina’s retirement less than a day old, the children were keen to question Karina about health, fitness, diet and preparation before a fight. All were also keen to find out that all important question, what was she going to do know with a little more time to herself?

Meanwhile, the Q&A with Neil and Ben involved some time spent time explaining the new IJF rules, explosive attacks every six seconds which the sport is now looking for, and how these rules are being integrated into new BJA. Both reflected on their own Olympic and Paralympic experiences respectively.

There were also some master classes in the evening with Neil and Karina. Ben, who is in rehabilitation was unable to get on the mat.

Event organiser Jason Beer said: “I don’t think there could have been a better way to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Thanks to Ben, Neil and Karina. The weekend went really well, with students getting the personal touch from all three Olympians. Everyone came away from the weekend with new ideas and new approaches to judo technical syllabus.”