Skip to content

Suffolk Judo champ sets his eyes on Olympics after injury

News overview

He says ‘2025 is when the magic is going to happen’

A teenage Judo champ from Suffolk who went unbeaten for 18 months is determined to reach the top again after recovering from broken ribs.

Dom Cremer at Suffolk New College

Dom Cremer, 16, from Felixstowe took up the sport at the age of 8.

Training mainly out of Felixstowe and sometimes in Saxmundham for around 20 hours a week, the Suffolk New College sports student is once again approaching full fitness.

His trajectory was curtailed because of Covid back in 2020, but when he returned to the floor 12 months later, Cremer managed to go unbeaten for a year and a half.

Since turning 16, he is now competing at junior level against people as old as 21, but unfortunately broke his ribs in the British Schools Judo Championships held in Sheffield in March 2024.

Over 4000 spectators saw him have to pull out of the second round with injury during an occasion that was live streamed on YouTube.

Dom Cremer with an eye injury

However, this experience has made him even more determined to make a name for himself in a sport that he loves.

He said: “I love Judo as it has helped me mature. I’ve looked into the history of the sport and I’m pushing to become one of the best. My main aim is to make the England development squad and then I won’t rest until I make it to the Olympics. LA is too soon for me (you hit your peak in your mid 20’s). So, it might be in Brisbane or at the games in 2036. Either way, I won’t stop until I achieve my dream.”

On his journey so far, Cremer has got to work with some top athletes.

The level 1 sports student who fights in the 66kg category explains: “I’ve met Ashley McKenzie – a four time Olympian and Commonwealth gold medallist. I had the honour to work with him and other top stars at Camberley Judo Club. It was a good experience. The advice I got was that Judo is a game of mental strength. If you lose, don’t look back, don’t get stressed, move on and live in the present or the future.” 

Dom Cremer with Ashley McKenzie

In terms of the future, Cremer continued: “I’m pushing hard for the England development squad and I’ve got my eye on some big tournaments. I know for a fact that 2025 is where the magic is going to happen.”

Next up for Cremer is a tournament in Thetford later this year on 13 October 2024 where he has eyes on winning a gold medal in his category.

Ben Ransby is a sports lecturer at Suffolk New College. Ben said: “At the start of every year we always come across some amazing local talent and Dom is clearly one for the future. We will support his ambitions all the way and we are proud to have him in our ranks.” Cremer is keen to get support from local companies to support his dreams. If you want to support Dom you can email: dcremer736@gmail.com

Posted 8 October 2024