Damon McGarvie was thrilled to pick up gold and bronze medals at top judo tournaments recently.

After gaining a gold medal at the Welsh Open Masters judo competition held at Deeside, north Wales, McGarvie entered the British Masters and won a bronze Although quite light in weight for the Open Weight his ability to throw both left and right handed helped him to win the bronze and with it entry to the Great Britain masters squad.

In his first fight he was five stones lighter than his opponent, but he still managed to throw him with O Uchi Gari for ten points.

His second fight was against another heavier opponent and this time he used his favourite O Soto Gari throw.

His third fight for a place in the medals was much more difficult and he had to change to left hand techniques to secure another ten point win.

For a place in the final Damon fought a very experienced British squad player and lost against a competitor who went on to win gold.

This was the top event for masters players (over-30s) held in Britain and it attracted 190 competitors.

Damon has had a successful season returning to competitive judo after a couple of nasty injuries. As well as the two medals, he gained his 2nd dan black belt and has already secured some wins towards a third dan.

Damon is currently the Neyland Judo Club’s senior coach and is also a British judo association examiner.