Burton back to his best as European Championships beckon

By David Jordan, Sportsbeat

EUAN Burton headed into the international wilderness following British Judo's disastrous showing at the Beijing Olympics - but the 31-year-old insists he's back and better than ever ahead of the European Championships.

BACK TO HIS BEST: It took Euan Burton a while to return to his best after a nightmare Beijing Olympics, but he insists he is now back with a bang (Getty Images)

The former world and European bronze medallist formed part of Team GB's much-hyped seven-strong strong who returned empty handed from China two years ago.

Burton's miserable 2008 was compounded by a shoulder injury before the year was out and on his return the 81kg judoka limited his appearances on the world circuit - opting to iron out his technique in private.

But after bouncing back with a bang by taking to the podium at a Grand Prix event in Germany and a Grand Slam in Tokyo earlier this season, Burton is preparing to raise his head above the parapet again for a tilt at European glory in Vienna.

"Last year was a year when I concentrated more on the technique of judo and worked on the technical side of things, rather than going to loads of competitions," said Burton.

"Because of the injuries and the major operation I had on my shoulder at the end of 2008 it was the best thing for me.

"You would never be able to say whether it was on the back of that that I have had probably my two best results of my career in the last few months.

"I will never know whether these results were on the back of that change of approach last year or not because it might have happened anyway.

"But either way I am delighted with the form I am in going into the European Championships.

"Those events have given me a lot of confidence and I am at a stage in my career now when I don't want to be going to events like the European Championships and get just a medal, I need to be targeting the top of the podium."