Unique treble for double Olympian Sophie Cox

Double Olympian Sophie Cox wins a gold medal in the European Veterans Judo Championships

Double Olympian Sophie Cox enjoyed a holiday in beautiful sunny Porec in Croatia after winning a gold medal in the European Veteran's Judo Championships.

She said: “It was actually the first time I had topped the podium at a European championship at any level,.

"I have a Junior European bronze medal and two silvers and two bronzes at senior level, so I was delighted to win gold at this championship.

"I was more relaxed this time, but you still want to fight well and return home with the gold medal.

"Back on the judo mat for the first time since my bronze in Samoa in 2013 was definitely an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I beat my first two French opponents with ippon throws (full 10 point score) within 30 seconds. My opponent in the final, Ida Lindgren of Sweden, had looked strong, but I was able to throw her for ippon too, with a sacrifice throw in the first minute.”

Though absent from competitive judo in the UK since winning her seventh British title in 2012, Sophie has found success in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions.. The week before Croatia she won the BJJ title in Coventry, to add to two silver medals won at the European IBJJF Championships in Lisbon, gold medals in Berlin and the London Open, plus a British grappling title.

Sophie added: “Since the London Olympics I have been busy building up my coaching experience and I am now one of the most respected and qualified coaches in GB judo.

"I have found a happy, stable relationship with my wife Kathy, and the arrival of my lovely son Leo has concentrated my mind on the future.

"The BJA supported my coaching ambitions and subsidised my level four coaching course and a part-time UKSC advanced diploma in coaching practice.

"I became an athlete mentor with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and through them work for Link4Life on their Get On Track Programme. I also work for Sky Sport for Living, delivering lessons in schools, and develop seminars and videos to demonstrate my passionate belief in the crossover between judo and MMA, judo and other sports, judo and life skills.

"I have always been a champion for women in sport, and I have organised the first ever MMA camps just for women in this country. Next week I will be running a women only international judo camp in Kendal. This year I have coached the England judo cadet squad, taking charge of them at an international competition in Spain; and I have been guest coach at an international camp in Sweden.”