Local lad’s international silver

Local lad Adam Castell produced a marvellous performance to win silver at the weekend’s Irish International Judo Open Championships held in Dublin.

This high ranking Tournament attracts the world’s best and Llandrinio-based Adam, 12, underlined his growing stature by consistently performing well with an outstanding display of continuous Ippon Throws.

The youngster was supported at the event by his father and coach, Pete (1^st Dan), who trains Adam along with Alan Jones (7^th Dan), Sue Jones (3^rd Dan) from AJ Judo. He beein training since the age of seven at sessions held in both Llanfyllin and Welshpool.

Adam faced a home favourite in his first match but took charge from the start, moving around with his opponent and setting him up for a big inner thigh throw where he put his opponent flat on his back for a full 10-point score in the first minute. Next up he beat a youngster from England and executed another 10-point score to reach the semi finals.

There he met the Irish No. 1 and following an evenly contested fight he took control in the second minute with a seven-point throw but he was still trailing on points. In the final 30 seconds, he pulled another full 10-point score out of the bag  to reach the final.

He faced a Scottish opponent and despite a valiant effort, he fell just short in his bid for gold.

Pete was a proud dad and coach on the return journey home commenting: “Adam had a fantastic day coming back from The Irish International Tournament with a well deserved Silver medal. We’re all very proud of his efforts.”

Adam is the current Welsh No. 1 and a part of the Welsh Squad regularly training in Cardiff at The Sport Wales National Centre.