Judo athletes strike trio of medals at Commonwealth Games

Three students at the University of Wolverhampton represented Team England at the Commonwealth Games landing medals for judo.

Commonwealth Games medallists, Jemima Yeats-Brown, Kelly Petersen-Pollard and Sam Hall, who study at the School of Sport at the University, competed at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at the Coventry Arena.

In the women’s -70kg category, England had both Kelly and Jemima successfully winning bronze medals on August 2.

The following day, Sam continued the winning streak for Team England, winning silver in the men’s -60kg competition.

Overall, Team England’s judo team won thirteen medals last week at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Alongside their studies, Jemima, Kelly and Sam are also WLV Sport Scholars, representing WLV Sport as they compete in judo championships and competitions around the world.

The elite athletes also train at the British Judo Centre of Excellence based at the University’s Walsall Campus.

Jemima Yeats-Brown, who is in her final year studying Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Wolverhampton said: “I’m now a 2x Commonwealth Games medallist and this one meant everything.

“It wasn’t the gold I was after, but as a family, we know that no matter how hard you try you can’t always win every fight.

“There are tougher days to come but last week showed me that there is an army of people to count on when life gets a little scary.

“Thank you to British Judo, Team England, Active Kent, University of Wolverhampton and everyone that came to support me as well as everyone rooting for us all back home.

“It’s been an unforgettable experience in the toughest of times, which wouldn’t have been possible without the team I have behind me.”

Jemima also competed in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, also winning bronze.

Natalie Gould, BUCS Sport Coordinator at the University of Wolverhampton said: “We are incredibly proud of Jemima, Kelly and Sam for not only competing but winning medals at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“As WLV Sport Scholars, these students represent the University wherever they compete, and they continue to showcase their incredible talent across the world.

“I would like to congratulate all of our students and alumni that competed last week, you have certainly done yourselves, the University, and your country proud.”

University alumni Acelya Toprak and Ebony Drysdale Daley also won silver for Team England.