From Gold Medals to Gut Punches… and Back Again ✨

Just a few days ago, I celebrated my 40th birthday feeling unstoppable — British Champion, multiple Commonwealth Judo Championship gold medalist, running my own judo club, and deep into a 10kg weight loss journey with my sights firmly set on competing at the Paris Judo Masters World Championships this year.

But then… the email came. My sponsor regretfully informed me they don’t have the funding to support me for this year’s adventures. After months of hard work, sacrifice, and planning, that single message has placed a huge shadow over my dream.

This isn’t the first time I’ve had to fight for it — last year, I launched a GoFundMe to compete in the Commonwealth Judo Championships in Malta. Thanks to the generosity of family, friends, and teammates, I was able to go… and I came back with GOLD.

Now, I’m asking again, but this time, time is of the essence as the world championships are in three months so— not just as an athlete, but as someone who refuses to let this dream fade away. The tournament in Paris is fast approaching, Nee kits needed, patches and all and in three weeks my training camp begins. From today, I’ll be sharing weekly weigh-ins on Instagram, answering your questions, and showing every bit of progress so you can follow this journey every step of the way.

Every share, every donation, every word of encouragement will make a difference. With your help, I can walk into that arena in Paris and represent us all with pride.

Weekly updates: Follow my Instagram @akajudopaul

Let’s make Paris happen.