Browse Sections

• Salford City Reds
• Local football
• Local cricket

Hart set on Olympics

Bill McLaughlin
24/ 7/2008

IRLAM schoolgirl Sarah Hartley has firmly set her sights on the 2012 Olympic Games in London after winning a silver medal at the Welsh Open Judo Championships.

The 15-year-old Irlam and Cadishead Community High School pupil lost out to the much more experienced Jordan Doughty from Oxford in the under 60 kilograms junior girls final in Cardiff, Wales.

But she has taken to judo like a duck to water having taken up the sport just two years ago.

Sarah, who is currently ranked fifth in England at her age and weight category, said: "Being at the Walkden Judo Club has been a major inspiration for me.

"The instructors are different class and, with their continued support, I am looking at making the Olympic Games in 2012."

The green belt has seven dan grade coaches to learn from at the club, which is based at Linnyshaw Mill, Manchester Road, Walkden.

And she is following in the footsteps of her dad John Roles, who is himself a first dan black belt in the ever popular martial art.

Sarah is hoping to train with 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Michelle Rogers, who hails from Swinton but has set up a judo club in Scottish city Edinburgh, later in the year.

Meanwhile, the Walkden club are always looking to recruit new members. Training sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday nights – between 7pm and 8pm for juniors and between 8pm and 9.30pm for adults.

For more information about Walkden Judo Club make contact with John on: 07788 781300.