June 2018: Isaac takes judo gold in London Open

FOUR straight wins earned Isaac Hope gold in the London Open judo competition.

Isaac, 12, is a member of Bredakwai Judo Club based at Accrington Academy where his dad, John, is the coach.

The Year 7 student said: “There were competitors from all over the country and some also came from Georgia. It was really busy.

“I compete in the U12s under 42kg category.”

In all four of his contests, Isaac got an ippon by throwing his competitor flat on his back.

He said: “We always bow before a contest to show respect and then afterwards, we are always chatty and everyone is really friendly.”

Isaac, from Oswaldtwistle, also competed in the English Minors Open at the Samurai Judo Club in Kidderminster where he gained bronze after losing in the semi-final.

He gained silver in another competition after narrowly being beaten in the final and he will be competing in the U16s Kent International Judo Competition at the end of June.