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Olympic success would be Lovell-y
THOMAS Deacon Judo Club youngster William Lovell has been fast-tracked to Olympic glory after being selected for the Great Britain World Class Talent Squad.
THOMAS Deacon Judo Club youngster William Lovell has been fast-tracked to Olympic glory after being selected for the Great Britain World Class Talent Squad.After fighting his way to the British Championship for his age group back in October, 15 year-old Lovell has found out his efforts have been rewarded with selection for the elite group.
The squad is being run by the British Judo Association with a mandate to select for extra training only those players who have a realistic chance of a medal at the London Olympics in 2012.
And after winning the British title as well as scooping gold medals at regional events throughout 2007 – young Lovell certainly falls into that category.
At over six-feet tall, the strapping Kirkstone House pupil currently fights in the under 90 class kilo class, but come the Olympics he is almost certain to be going for gold in the prestigious light-heavyweight division.
Chairman of Deacon’s John Dearden said: “It’s fantastic that William has won this place as it is just recognition for one of the brightest young stars in British judo.
“He has worked so hard over the past seven years and I am delighted for William. Winning this place means he is regarded by the British Judo Association as a real medal prospect and I think that says it all - we are proud to have him at our club.”
And while William is deservedly winning the plaudits, mum Annette was keen to heap praise on the man she credits with helping make it all happen.
She said: “We are proud as punch at the moment. William has worked so hard since he took up the sport but it is not just William who deserves all the credit.
“John Dearden has been nothing short of phenomenal. He is in his seventies now but if William is in a tournament, John will be up at five in the morning to come with us so he can be on the mat with William to offer encouragement when he competes.
“In fact everyone at the club has been fantastic and since they moved to the Deacons Academy the facilities we now have are incredible. It is a great sport and I would encourage anyone to get involved.”
Anyone interested in joining Deacon’s Judo Club should call John Dearden on 01778 343038.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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