St Albans Girls School’s Lucy Day was crowned British Cadet champion on Sunday in Sheffield.

The Year 11 student won the gold medal in her under-57kg category.

Day swept through her early fights, winning with ten-point scores with uchi mata throws, hold downs and an arm lock.

She battled to a tough, tactical victory over fellow Redbridge Judo Club member Chloe Alvis in the bronze medal match.

Another ten-point win followed in the final as she clinched the gold medal.

Day said: “I was happy to win but it was tough. The pressure was really on because I am ranked as number one in the UK so everyone expected me to win. Before the competition I had to blank everything out, focus hard and just concentrate on winning.”

Day returns to action this weekend when she competes in the junior championships.