Jodie strikes gold at British championships

The British Open is the most prestigious annual ‘BJJ’ event held in the country and was staged as part of the popular Body Power fitness exhibition, in front of large crowds.

Jodie won gold in the Under 50kg Under-13 Girls category.

The 11-year-old from Thornhill is profoundly deaf and was the recipient of the Reporter Series disability athlete award following her achievements in athletics, which included winning the junior Coal Carrying Championships on four occasions, the last of which came just last month.

Being deaf has not held Jodie back at Brazilian Jiu Jitsui and despite producing some communication issues for coaching and instruction, she has overcome this to become British champion in her category.

Brazilian Jui Jitsui is similar to judo but is a form of fighting which focuses more on ground work, using technique and leverage which enables a smaller, weaker fighter to overcome a larger opponent.

Jodie will now switch her focus back to athletics when she competes at the Deaf Athletics Championships in Hull on Thursday.