German Success for Alex

Alex Farrington spent two weeks working hard to lose four kilos in weight in order to reach her fighting weight in time for the German International Judo Championships for the visually impaired held in Heidlberg. All to no avail as the organisers decided, at the last minute, to combine the Under 52 kilo category (Alex's weight) with the Under 57 kilo players. This made Alex the lightest in the category by some five kilos. Her first win was against Nicoletta Fassa from Greece. Alex was always in command throwing with two shoulder throws to secure the win. In the semi-final she met another Greek opponent, Christine Skandali . The referee had hardly got the word "Hajime" out than Alex had thrown her opponent with O Uchi Gari for ippon in less than five seconds. A tough fight followed against Cindy Simon. The American almost had Alex in an armlock. A quick escape was followed by O Soto Gari and a hold down for awasete-ippon by the English woman for the win. This put her against Ramona Bruisig who is Double Paralympic, Double World and Double European Visually Impaired Champion at Under 57 kilos. Although totally outgunned and outweighed Alex fought well but eventually succumbed to a hold. It was an excellent silver medal for the only female member of the British Team.