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.
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