Teenage judo star Meghan brings home a bronze
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.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAfter 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’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.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“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.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHer 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.