British Judokas Head to Warsaw for European Open
This weekend, a quieter segment of the international judo calendar welcomes seven talented British judokas as they prepare to take the mat at the prestigious Warsaw European Open, set to occur in Poland. Among the competitors is **Rory Tyrrell** from Camberley Judo Club, who will be vying for glory in the -81kg category. Following his debut on the IJF World Tour at the Grand Prix Upper Austria, where he achieved one win and one loss, Tyrrell is eager to leverage that experience. He is determined to channel his strong performance throughout 2025 to secure his best result of 2026 at this event.
In the -90kg division, **Kenneth Harris** from Royal Navy Judo will make his second appearance of the year after participating in the Casablanca African Open earlier in January. Harris aims to capitalize on his previous experiences and secure a victory in the first round, hoping to enhance his standing at the European Open.
Meanwhile, **Joshua Whitehouse** from Judo Swansea will be competing in the +100kg category. After achieving a commendable fifth-place finish at the Casablanca African Open, the current British Champion is looking forward to his second European Open, having previously competed at the La Nucia European Open in May 2025. With valuable international experience now under his belt, Whitehouse is focused on surpassing his past achievements in Warsaw.
Promising Performances from British Female Judokas
On the women’s side, **Ashleigh Barnikel** of Bradley Stoke Judo Club enters the -48kg category, buoyed by a strong bronze medal performance at the Tunis African Open. She aims to maintain that momentum and secure another podium finish this weekend. Also competing in the same weight class is **Summer Shaw** from Camberley Judo Club, who is making her way back to competitive judo after a lengthy injury recovery. Shaw has already participated in both the Sofia and Ljubljana European Opens this year, gaining precious mat time as she works toward regaining her top form.
In the -57kg division, **Lele Nairne** from Bradley Stoke Judo Club will be looking to build on her impressive return to competition at the Sofia European Open, where she earned a bronze medal in her first international appearance since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. As an Olympian, Nairne is keen to reach the podium once more this weekend.
Completing the British contingent is **Rachael Hawkes** from Camberley Judo Club, who will compete in the -70kg category after narrowly missing a medal at the Podgorica Senior European Cup, where she finished fifth, marking her best result of 2026 thus far. Hawkes is set to build on this performance and aims for a podium finish in Warsaw.
Additionally, Great Britain will be represented by two referees, **Stefan Newbury** and **Archi Shrimpton**, who will officiate during the event. The entire team is wishing good luck as they embark on this competitive journey!
As reported by britishjudo.org.uk.
