JUDO: Aaron Gordon has fought his way into the national judo squad.And that is just the start of a success story he aims to complete with an Olympic gold.

By Mel Henderson

JUDO

AARON Gordon has fought his way into the national judo squad.

And that is just the start of a success story he aims to complete with an Olympic gold.

The 14-year-old St Alban's High School pupil scooped silver in the recent national championships at Crystal Palace.

Now ranked number two in Great Britain, he is looking forward to fighting on the international stage.

Aaron, of Upton Close, Ipswich, defeated both the Scottish and Welsh number ones in London – and also stunned his father, Chris.

"My dad is also into judo and introduced me to the sport when I was eight," said Aaron.

"He never made it into the national squad and he was delighted for me, but amazed at the same time, when I did it."

Aaron, an Ipswich Town fan and Portman Road season ticket holder, is a sporting all-rounder.

He plays right-back for Kirton Kestrels and also enjoys a game of tennis – but it's at judo that he excels.

"When I started it was just like a hobby to me," he added. "I never thought I would be this successful."

Aaron trains two nights a week with his colleagues at Ipswich Judo Club and sometimes on a Sunday with the Eastern Area squad.

Winning a place in the Great Britain national squad will take him all over the country for training

sessions.

He said: "The first one is at High Wycombe, but the next is up at Kendal in the Lake District."

Aaron has set his sights on winning the British title and, looking further ahead, he admitted: "I would love to take part in the Olympics.

"I know that's a long way off yet, but I like to think I am at least on my way."