Help Jakob achieve his judo goals to Europe

Hi, my name is Jakob Edwards, and I am an Australian Judoka. I have been given the opportunity to represent Australia at the Celje – Podcetrtek Senior European Cup in Slovenia and the Malaga Senior European Cup in Spain in October 2022, which includes a training camp in Germany.

My journey into Judo is somewhat different from others, as being an athlete with ASD has come with many challenges and has been a tough journey. Being diagnosed at the age of 11, I’ve had to deal with knowing that I was different from others. Socially I was awkward, often angry at times, and having been unable to interpret a lot of societal cultures and norms. My parents and psychologist encouraged me to start Judo, a sport that has structure, discipline, respect, and is physically demanding. It became an outlet that allowed me to both learn a sport and socialise with a small community of people. I learnt to love the true nature of the sport, and it allowed me to grow and mature into the person I am today.

Judo has given me many opportunities as an athlete with a disability. It challenged me when I fell, strengthening me and building resilience I never knew I had. I rose higher with every achievement, which included competing at State & National events in my younger years. As I aged, I started competing in international events, including twice competing in the Oceania Championships and the Cadet Worlds. The most recent event I competed in was the Tahiti Oceania Open in September 2022, in which I brought home a silver medal. These experiences as an athlete allowed me to see that my disability is not a burden but that “I am not disabled but differently abled”.

My goal is to continue to train hard and develop ongoing skills at a higher level with my drive to compete in more senior international events.

Like many sports, there is minimal funding for Judo in Australia, so the self-funded route is my only way forward. The estimated cost of the trip is more than $6000. All monies raised will go to the cost of flights, accommodation, food, entry to events, and other various expenses, which can be expensive. Due to this, I am looking for any small contribution to continue with my Judo journey. Judo is my passion, and I would love to see where my dream will take me.

Thank you.