Oswaldtwistle Teens Tilly Holden and Sophia Miller Earn Team GB Selection for European Youth JuJitsu Championships
In a remarkable achievement for local talent, two young martial artists from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, have been selected to represent Great Britain at a prestigious international competition. Tilly Holden, aged 16, and Sophia Miller, aged 13, are celebrating their call-up to Team GB for the European Youth JuJitsu Championships, set to take place in Crete on March 18.
Building on Gold Medal Success in Belgium
This selection follows their outstanding performance in January, where both girls secured gold medals at a competition in Belgium. Their success has now propelled them onto a larger stage, as they join a ten-person GB team for the annual JJIF European JuJitsu Championships. This event is a key fixture in the international martial arts calendar, attracting top fighters from across Europe and beyond.
Both athletes are dedicated members of the local martial arts club, Kuon Ji JuJitsu in Oswaldtwistle. They have been training in JuJitsu for many years, consistently excelling at various levels of competition. Their journey includes numerous victories at local, national, and international tournaments, showcasing their skill and commitment to the sport.
Coach Max Robinson Praises Hard Work and Dedication
Head coach Max Robinson, who also serves as the head of youth for Great Britain JuJitsu, expressed immense pride in their achievement. He highlighted the rigorous preparation that led to this milestone. "Both Tilly and Sophia have worked really hard to get selected for the Europeans, which is a major event in the JJIF Calendar," Robinson stated. "All the top fighters from Europe and beyond will be there competing for the medals, so this will be a very good test for the girls to see where they are at in their development."
Robinson emphasized that this marks their first appearance at such a high-level competition, adding to the excitement and significance of the opportunity. "This is the first time for them both at this level, and they are very excited," he said. "They have done the groundwork with several competitions each year, training five days a week, meal planning, health monitoring the lot. Now is the time to put it to the test."
Preparation and Support from the Local Community
The team is set to fly out to Crete to meet up with the rest of the GB squad. They will have a couple of days to acclimatize and engage in additional training sessions before heading to the arena for the championships. The entire Kuon Ji JuJitsu community is rallying behind them, offering unwavering support and encouragement.
Robinson concluded with a heartfelt message: "All at Kuon Ji JuJitsu wish them all the very best of luck, and we’ll be watching you on TV back at home with pride." This selection not only highlights the individual talents of Tilly and Sophia but also underscores the strength of grassroots sports development in the region, inspiring other young athletes to pursue their dreams in martial arts and beyond.
