Teenage judo star Meghan brings home a bronze

A judo star from South Tyneside has scooped a podium place in a national competition.
Meghan Roeves with her Judo medal.Meghan Roeves with her Judo medal.
Meghan Roeves with her Judo medal.

Meghan Roeves recently competed against 800 other competitors in the National Individual British School Judo championships.

The 13-year-old was representing South Shields Community School, where she is a Year 9 pupil.

Meghan Roeves practices her moves with younger brother Kai.Meghan Roeves practices her moves with younger brother Kai.
Meghan Roeves practices her moves with younger brother Kai.
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After numerous knockout rounds, the talented teenager, from Biddick Hall, South Shields, eventually came away with a bronze medal.

Meghan said: “I’m really pleased I won bronze.

“I had to fight three rounds, which each lasted three minutes. I wasn’t really that nervous. I just got on with it really.”

She added: “Next year I am aiming to bring back gold.

Meghan Roeves practices her moves with younger brother Kai.Meghan Roeves practices her moves with younger brother Kai.
Meghan Roeves practices her moves with younger brother Kai.

Meghan’s dad, Mark Roeves travelled down to Sheffield to watch his daughter fight in the championships.

He said: “I am so proud of her. It was brilliant being able to see her in action out on the floor.

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“She wanted to compete in last year’s event, but her coach suggested that she waited another year, to gain more experience, so that’s what she did.

“Now she can’t wait for next year, she’s raring to go.

“Megan’s chuffed to bits with her win, we all are.”

He added: “This was a combination of her hard work plus the dedication and the time and effect her coaches put in.

Meghan has been involved with judo for the last five years. She trains with the South Shields Judo Club, which is based at Ocean Road Community Centre, in South Shields.

Meghan is currently a green belt, and needs to pass two more grade before she gains her black. However, the energetic youngster, already helps coach Beth Foster with the classes.

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Her recent win means Megan is now her club’s first national judo medallist.

Beth said: “Meghan is a very dedicated student, she trains three times a week and also does fitness classes on a Saturday too.

“She’s put in a lot of work for this win, she’d been competing at a number of events around the country and on home soil too.

“We’ve been running the club for about six years now but this is our first national medal which is brilliant.

“Megan really deserved this.”

The South Shields Judo Club trains at various times, depending on age, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday.

For more information, call 07725 111 056.