Sophie Cox books her trip to Lisbon

Sophie Cox

Sophie Cox, local two time Olympian, continued her successful competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu year when winning double gold at the Celtic Open in Cardiff at the weekend.

Fighting in the Masters blue belt lightweight division, Sophie dominated her category and then went on to convincingly win the Absolute or Open division.

Displaying her trademark qualities of strength, aggression, focus and technical expertise, Sophie proved to be a convincing and popular winner.

Sophie said: "I normally compete at featherweight (under 58.7 k), but moved up to lightweight (u-64k) for this event.

"I wanted to give myself the best chance in the Absolute, which can be against any weight of opponent, as sponsorship was on offer towards the cost of taking part in the European Championships in Lisbon in January.

"I have been gaining experience fighting heavier opponents, coping with differences in height as well as weight. The clue is fast movement until I can use my judo expertise for the take down, which then gives me the edge in the grappling and groundwork.

"On Sunday I used judo arm locks and strangles that I have refined to accommodate the BJJ style. It's always a good feeling when techniques you have developed in training are successful in competition, and I was surprised to find how strong I am compared with my opponents.

"It's still a thrill to stand on the podium with a gold medal and wearing the sponsors t-shirt emblazoned with Campion, Celtic Open."

The Celtic golds can now be added to Sophie's double gold from the recent IBJJF London Open held at Crystal Palace, the British Gold from the Nationals and her double silver from the Europeans held in Lisbon last year.

Sophie added: "Depending on circumstances and coaching commitments in 2017, after the Europeans in Lisbon I'm aiming for the World Masters in Las Vegas in August and hopefully the European Judo Masters in Athens in June and the World Judo Masters in Sardinia in September.

"Next week I'm swopping my gi for cap and gown when I receive my post graduate diploma in advanced coaching. I am looking forward to the degree ceremony as I missed out on my BSc ceremony because I was competing in the World Judo Championships at the time."

No stranger to academic and sporting honours, Sophie already has sporting and international excellence awards from Leeds, Buckingham and Chilterns and East London Universities.

After collecting her post graduate diploma, Sophie will be attending a special ceremony to receive a sponsor's award for her outstanding academic contribution to the course.

Sophie said: "If you wish to fulfil your ambitions of coaching excellence in the present sporting climate it is essential to follow the academic pathway in gaining coaching qualifications.

"This year I've obtained my level four United Kingdom Sports Council Judo Coaching certificate and the BJA Elite Athlete to Mentor qualification. So any thoughts that after the London Olympics I might retire to a quiet life have been well and truly quashed.

"It is a challenge juggling family life, my various coaching commitments and still competing, but I like challenges and it is exciting and enjoyable being involved in all levels of Mixed Martial Arts. By continuing to compete, I prove that I can 'do' as well as teach."