English Open bronze for Fryer despite a jump up in age category

Rush Judo’s first home-grown black-belt Michael Fryer earned a medal at the English Open this weekend, despite competing in a higher age group.

The 19-year-old took to the podium at the English Open seniors, held at Breckland Leisure Centre in Thetford, Norfolk.

Rush Judos Michael Fryer with his bronze medal.placeholder image
Rush Judos Michael Fryer with his bronze medal.

Although he is a junior (under-21s), Fryer chose to compete in the seniors (over-21s) age category.

And in a very hard U66kg weight category, which was littered with national-level judoka, Fryer beat many older competitors to win an impressive bronze medal.

Laurie Rush, a coach at the Berkhamsted-based Rush Judo club, said he was very pleased with the result, and added: “For Mike to take a bronze in the seniors is a massive achievement and we are all very proud of him.”

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1858
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice