Kyle McIndoe recently competed in the Junior European Cup in Hungary. In this event, Kyle fought hard but lost to a German by Yuko (GER also had 2 Shidos against him). Kyle then participated in the camp in Hungary and then on 16th July, fought in Poland and again had a first round bye. His second round match was against a Lithuanian who beat at German. This was a much better match for Kyle compared to Hungary the week before. Kyle forced 2 Shidos on the Lithuanian up and moving well. Kyle pressure LTU on the edge and relaxed just long enough for LTU to attack with Osoto. During Kyle’s counter attempt he lost balance and LTU scored Yuko. A small error but good progress and learning from every experience. Kyle then trained at the strong post competition camp where he trained with many of the top European Juniors and then moved into Grosshadern Judo club in Munich prior to competing in the Berlin Junior European Cup. In this competition he had a first round bye and fought the Portugese athlete who had beaten Great Britain. In the match against Portugal, Kyle won well with Yuko and Ippon also forcing 2 Shidos in a dominant effort. Third round was against a strong left hander from Uzbekistan. Staying in the match at the half way point only down 2 Shidos to 1, Kyle evaded a number of strong Uchimata attacks but was finally caught for Ippon. Unfortunately UZB lost the QF to the eventual Gold medalist from Italy putting Kyle out. Still, this is great progress in Kyle third Junior EC event. Congratulations – the hard work and experience will keep building international competitiveness. Kyle will now train at the Berlin training camp and then move back to Camberley for 3 weeks before his next event in Romania on the 20th August. We wish him well for this next training block and competition. Kyle will be back home late October.
Naomi de Bruine returned this week after having had some rehab on her injured knee in the Netherlands. Hopefully she will be able to train soon. Welcome back Naomi!