Judo: GB Masters title for Sophie Cox

Sophie Cox (second from right) after she won gold at the British Masters

Double Olympian Sophie Cox added a first GB Judo Masters title to her European Masters Gold from Croatia earlier in the year, when she decisively won all her bouts in Edinburgh at the weekend.

Sophie said: "After the London Olympics I retired from competition to concentrate on my family and on building a coaching portfolio.

"Working for Sky Sports Living, the Sports Youth Trust, the Dame BKelly Holmes Trust and studying for and getting my postgraduate diploma in Advanced Coaching has been rewarding and challenging.

"To broaden my MMA experience I took up Brazilian Jujitsu and this year won double silver in the IBJJF European championships in Lisbon, and gold at the IBJJF British Open.

"Masters Judo is becoming ever more popular and competitive throughout the judo world. Though I am now more relaxed about competitions, I still want to perform with distinction and come back with a medal. Competition fighting gives my coaching that competitive edge.

"Next week I hope to repeat last year’s success when I fight again in the IBJJF London Open at Crystal Palace – where I have happy memories of winning six national junior competitions. Next year I aim to compete in both the IBJJF and Judo World Masters competitions. It would be great if I could return with gold medals from both.”

Sophie’s latest foray in expanding her coaching experience is a combat fitness class at Rochdale Judo club on Mondays 8.15 – 9pm, preceded by a judo session 7 – 8.15pm.