Athlete of the Week: James Reseigh

After a busy week of School Games and Team Leicestershire, things begin to quieten down a little in terms of school sport. But for Judo star James Reseigh, there is never really any rest. That's because he is ranked #1 in the UK for his weight and age, and that's not a position he wants to lose.

Reseigh took time away from the mat to provide a bit of an insight into his career so far.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is trying to get my Blackbelt/ 1st Dan competitively rather than only doing theory which would take 5 years. To achieve this competitively, I need 100 points which is achieved by gaining ippon 10 points against other black belts or brown belts. It is harder at the moment due to rule changes.

What is your biggest goal?

My biggest goal is to be in the Olympics for 2024 or 2028 as Judoka are older in age when they are able to qualify for the Olympics. I will only be able to achieve this by working hard and exceeding in my training.

Who are your role models and why?

I have some famous Judoka role models who are Olympians who also coach at England judo squad training as guests such as Neil Adams, Colin Oates. But a big role model is my former coach, Mick Newton, as he not only is a great coach but inspired me that I can achieve as long as I believe.

What is your favourite day of the week? Why?

My favourite day of the week is Saturday because after I have done a competition usually on that day I can have a lie in and rest for the next day before a week of training.

If you won the lottery what would be the first thing that you bought?

If I won the lottery, I would open my own dojo/judo training club to coach young children in Judo. And I would buy my favourite car - a Ford Mustang.

Do you have anything else that you'd like us to know?

I have just finished my GCSE exams and I am hoping to start college in Stamford doing a Level 3 sport and coaching course which should help my judo training as I can learn more about what it's like to be a top class athlete.

For more information, visit James' GO GOLD profile.