A regional judo champ is going to test himself against the best at a national championship competition this week.
Dom Cremer, 17, from Trimley St Martin, is on a Level 2 sports course at Suffolk New College.
The teenager is currently ranked first in the 66kg East of England under-21 category and number two in the adult class.
He will be off to Nottingham on Saturday 13 December 2025 where he will take part in the British Championships in an event organised by British Judo.
The youngster has high hopes ahead of one of his biggest tournaments to date and will participate in an occasion that will be livestreamed on YouTube.
He said: “I started Judo as an after-school thing. Then I learnt all about the heritage (of the sport) and after Covid I just became more passionate about it – and decided this is what I want to do as a career.
“This year I have been fighting at championships across England, and I’m focussed on getting a national rank. I spent a week at Camberley training with the best including Ashley McKenzie – a four-time Olympian and Commonwealth gold medallist.
“I now hope to get on the podium at the nationals and if I get top four I will be put on the GB squad – and if I get top ranked, I should be sent to the European championships next year. I train twice every day in the run up to a big tournament. I do a five-kilometre run and then train in the evening. My aim is to be recognised as the best ever. I have an
Olympic dream and Brisbane in 2032 is my aim. I’m definitely on that path – and I’ll push myself hard to get there.”
On support from the college, he said: “My tutors have been very supportive and are very impressed with what I do.”
And on being asked if he is a future Olympic medallist – Dom – who trains at Felixstowe Judo Club – he categorically said: “Yes.” Lee Mandley is head of sport at Suffolk New College. He said: “Dom is an incredible talent who puts in so much hard work both in terms of judo and college. We are incredibly proud of him.”