OLYMPIC hopeful Isaac Hope wants to be the first person to bring home a Gold medal for the GB judo team.
At the Welsh Open Judo Championships in Cardiff, although only 12, he competed in the under 14s under 46kg class.
The Haslingden High School student said: “There were 16 competitors and most were older than me. I won my first and my second fights, but then lost my third.
“That meant instead of competing for the gold or silver medal I was fighting for the bronze.
“My fourth match was really tough. Normally they last about three-to-four minutes but this went on for six-to-seven.
“I was exhausted but I won and that meant I got the bronze medal. It was a really good experience and I will be competing in the British Judo Championships in December.”
Isaac is a member of Bredakwai Judo Club based at Accrington Academy where his dad, John, is the coach.
His dad said: “Isaac is one of the top Judo players in the U.K. in his age band having won the British Minors Judo championships in 2017 and he is hoping to win a medal as a pre-cadet player in December at the British Championships.
“He trains five to six times a week for around 15 hours. Pre tournament this can rise to 25 hours in the week. It’s a major commitment as he only has time