A LUDGERSHALL girl has been selected to the Great British Junior Judo Squad after winning a bronze at the British Junior Judo Championships in Sheffield last month.

Harriet McRae, 17, who is a student at Andover College, has also been included in the England Judo Talent Development Squad and has now set sights on competing at the Olympic Games.

Having trained at the Scorpion Judo Academy in Picket Twenty for more than 11 years, Harriet said she is so thankful to have a great support team who are willing to give up their free time to help her.

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“When I first started judo at the age of six, I never thought I would enjoy competing, never mind making the GB and England Squad,” Harriet said.

“I dedicate all my spare time to my training and competing, just like my coaches do for me. The coaches at Scorpion have supported and trained me for many years and made me into the person that I am today.”

Tim Byrne, her coach at Scorpion, told Advertiser that Harriet is a hard worker who has the potential to reach top-level in Judo.

He added: “She is very good for her age. There is no reason why she can’t go on to do very well and fight internationally.

“Judo is a very tough sport. So it is also important how she matures as a lady. She must become taller. But she really works hard. She has an opportunity to get more training and become top-level now as she is being trained by Olympians and world champions.”

Harriet recently won the Nigel Spackman Sport Achievement Award at Andover College, where she is studying Strength and Conditioning.

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Her mum Emma, who also trains at Scorpion, said Harriet had also tried ballet and rugby before taking up Judo.

“When she was younger, she trained in Judo just for recreation. She wanted to improve her coordination and to meet friends at the club. But when she was 12-13, she was on the county level and was going for Hampshire competitions. She just went on from there.”

Harriet’s younger brother Jack also trains at Scorpion.

The academy is based in Picket Twenty Sports Pavilion and it has around 80 students ranging from age six to 60. Scorpion is a non-profit club, and the coaches do not take wages.

“We are all volunteers. The fees we take from students go back to them in facilities. The classes are also free for people who cannot afford,” Mr Byrne said.

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