Hamilton judo teen is best of British after claiming accolade
Hamilton teenager Kevin Gordon won British Judo’s Male Cadet of the Year, following an incredible rise in the martial art.
While dad Colin is proud of the Calderside Academy pupil’s achievements, he says how much Kevin helps younger kids at Hibari-Kan Judo Club in Larkhall is more commendable.
However, Kevin is doing well already at under-21 level, having moved up recently, and became Scottish champion at his age level, while also winning bronze in the senior competition at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility in Motherwell.
Medals and trophies are piling up, with Kevin also taking bronze at the Bremen International Masters, which qualified him for the Cadet European championships.
Dad Colin said: “Kevin has done judo since he was eight years old. He’s doing his coaching badge as well, the young ones really look up to him and he does stand out – he’s 6ft 2ins with a mohawk!
“He got his black belt at 15, his second dan at 17, and is now collecting points for his third dan, but can’t get that until he’s 20.
“Kevin got an email from British Judo, saying he was a finalist, he went down to the awards in Warwick, and was Cadet of the Year, which is all the under-18s in Britain.
“It’s not bad for a kid from Whitehill!”
Colin added: “He was at the Scottish Championships, moved up an age category, and he is now a junior at under-21s.
“This is his first year and he’s Scottish champion, and got bronze as an adult.
“We’re very proud of him, but probably more so when you see him helping the little ones.
“He wins big competitions, some he’s expected to win, and others he’s there just to keep himself ticking over, but I’m more proud when he goes in early in the morning to make sure the little ones are okay.
“The younger kids are on