British judo team ready for World Student Games challenge

GREAT Britain's eight strong judo team are due to start their World Student Games campaigns in Belgrade tomorrow.

THIRD TIME LUCKY: Gemma Gibbons has finished seventh and fifth in previous World Student Games but will look to improve in the 70kg category

Gemma Gibbons - in the women's 70kg category - is a Universiade veteran having placed seventh and fifth in previous editions.

Sian Wilson, in the women's 78kg, and Andy Burns, in the men's 90kg, are also back for a second medal bid having placed fifth in their last appearance.

The team is completed by Kimberley Renicks (women's 52kg), Kate Walker (women's 63kg), Jan Gosiewski (women's 73kg), Thomas Reed (men's 81kg) and Theo Spalding-McIntosh (men's 100kg).

"Most of the team were identified as part of the National Squad after the British Trials in November and have been to various training camps since," said Karen Roberts, British Judo's World Class operations manager and former World Student Games silver medallist.

"This will be a great developmental event towards future World and European Championships.

"There are a few players who have competed in the Games before. Gibbons has been close to the medals for the past two Games, and stands a good chance this year as she has recently been performing well internationally.

"These Games has always seen strong attendance from other countries giving our players experience in competing on the world stage."