Sainsburys 2012 School Games
In anticipation of this year’s London Olympic Games, a select few students were lucky enough to be chosen to compete in the Sainsbury’s School games, which were held at the Olympic venues. Fulston Manor student Shannara Harrild, was one of the lucky students to compete and here is her review of her experiences in the Judo competitions;
"On Monday 7th May and Tuesday 8th May I fought at the Sainsbury’s 2012 School games. I fought individually on Monday in the U57 kilos. I managed to win one fight against a Welsh girl who I had lost to before at another competition. I then lost my next two fights giving me a bronze medal. I was happy with this because I had never been selected to fight at this competition before and a medal at this competition is an achievement. The England team won the trophy for the best individual performances with 6 Gold medals
On Tuesday everyone on the England team fought in the team event. We fought against Northern Ireland, Scotland, Brazil and Wales. I fought in the team match against Northern Ireland. I managed to win my fight and helped the team to victory. We also beat Scotland and Wales but we lost to a very strong team from Brazil.
On Wednesday we all went to visit the Athletics Stadium and the Velodrome. They are both amazing stadiums and the athletes who competed did very well. The closing ceremony was in the basketball arena, which was amazing. Many athletes came in and spoke to us; there were also some great performances from Spellbound and Cover Drive. I really enjoyed the Sainsbury’s 2012 School games and I hope I get selected to fight again next year.
I started Judo when I was seven years old. I saw an advert in the local newsletter for the local Judo club. My dad used to do Judo and taught me a few throws before I went; I managed to beat everyone there. After I started, I encouraged both of my sisters to do it and now both of them do Judo. I have been on the England squad for four years and I am now on the ETD (Elite Talent Development Squad)."
Written by Shannara Harrild
