Hi, my name is Katie Mills and I’m a 21-year-old full-time judo athlete, currently training at Camberley Judo Club, one of the UK’s top performance centres. I’ve been training full-time since I was 17, and I’m proud to be a two-time British Champion, a medallist at every British Championships and domestic ranking event I’ve entered, and now ranked #2 in the UK Senior Rankings — all in my first year as a senior.

I’m currently part of the Senior GB Team, competing internationally to build ranking points and experience, aiming to qualify for:

• The U23 European Championships (2025)

• The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (2026)

• The LA 2028 Olympic Games

Despite being on the GB team, I receive no funding, as I’ve chosen to train at Camberley instead of the National Centre. I made this decision because of Camberley’s proven track record of producing Olympians, and the high-level coaching, training partners, and overall support system here.

I currently work two part-time jobs while training up to three times a day, Monday to Friday and competing most weekends — just to cover basic living costs. But with growing expenses like:

• International competition travel (up to £800 per event)

• Training camps abroad (~£800 each, ~5 per year)

• Club fees, judogis, physiotherapy, and recovery

• General living costs

…it’s becoming unsustainable to continue at this level without help.

This year especially is a massive opportunity to break through on the senior international circuit — but I can only do that if I can afford to get to the events.

What Your Support Will Help With:

• Travel and entry fees for international European Cups and World Tour events

• Access to vital international training camps

• New competition judogis and kit

• Physio and recovery treatments to stay injury-free

Thank you so much for reading and for any support