Why it matters: Dom Cremer, 17, from Trimley St Martin, will compete at the British Championships in Nottingham on Saturday, with a top-four finish securing him a place on the GB squad. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, allowing local supporters to follow his progress.
What they're saying: "I now hope to get on the podium at the nationals and if I get top four I will be put on the GB squad – and if I get top ranked, I should be sent to the European championships next year," Dom said.
"This year I have been fighting at championships across England, and I'm focused on getting a national rank."
The big picture: The British Championships represent one of the most significant events in the UK judo calendar, bringing together the country's top competitors. Dom is currently ranked first in the 66kg East of England under-21 category and number two in the adult class.
The Suffolk New College student, who is on a sport level two course, has already proven himself against elite competition this year, spending a week at Camberley training with the best in the sport, including Ashley McKenzie – a four-time Olympian and Commonwealth gold medallist.
For context: Dom's judo career began as an after-school activity before developing into a serious sporting pursuit. "Then I learnt all about the heritage of the sport and after Covid I just became more passionate about it – and decided this is what I want to do as a career," he said.
The details: In the run-up to major tournaments, he trains twice daily – completing a five-kilometre run before evening training sessions at Felixstowe Judo Club.
His ultimate ambition is clear: "My aim is to be recognised as the best ever. I have an Olympic dream and Brisbane in 2032 is my aim. I'm definitely on that path – and I'll push myself hard to get there."
Asked if he is a future Olympic medallist, he said: "Yes."
College support: Lee Mandley, head of sport at Suffolk New College, said: "Dom is an incredible talent who puts in so much hard work both in terms of judo and college. We are incredibly proud of him."
Don added: "My tutors have been very supportive and are very impressed with what I do."
What's next: Saturday's competition represents one of Dom's biggest tournaments to date. A strong performance could accelerate his pathway to international competition and ultimately his Olympic ambitions. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube for those wishing to follow his progress.
The bottom line: A teenager is turning regional judo success into a structured pathway towards Olympic competition, with this weekend's national championships offering the next crucial step in his journey to Brisbane 2032.
