Camberley Judo clubs Nathon Burns took the gold medal at the weekend in the British Open Judo championships at the K2 in Crawley.
Nathon Burns, a British Open silver medallist in 2008 and 2010, finally achieved his long-awaited gold medal as he defeated Lewis Keeble (GBR) in the men’s under 66kg final after battling through the rounds and beating top players from Spain, USA, Belgium, Netherlands and France.
Burns who has recently moved up from the under 60kg category to the heavier division showed amazing potential in the lead up to selections for the London Olympics in 2012.
After winning his first British Open title 22-year-old Burns originally from Blackburn and now training full time at Camberley Judo club said: ”It’s great to finally win the gold having picked up silver medals here in 2008 and 2010.
“I had some tough contests and the Frenchman (Sofiane Milous) was very strong in the semi-final,” said the judoka, on what was arguably the most thrilling contest of the day.
This impressive result has seen the British coaches select Nathon to compete in the Moscow Grand slam on the 28th May and then on to the Bucharest European cup the following weekend.
For the Junior members of the club it was also a successful weekend with four players competing in the Falcon Red Belt rumble. Camberley walked away with 3 gold and 1 silver. Golds went to Evan Cooper, Bodhi Blacklock and Luke Smith with the Silver medal going to Tom Kirk.
