Judoka Michael Edwards, 30, from Lanlivery, has just won a silver medal at the British Veteran Championships in Glasgow and been selected for the GBR team.
This latest result tops Michael’s achievements in a year that has also seen him claim gold in the Kazuko Trophy Cup open judo competition recently held in Goonhavern – his first competitive event as a judoka since the end of 2023.
In the interim period, Michael turned his attention to Cornish Wrestling and was declared world champion in 2025.
“I didn’t attend the Cornish Wrestling championships this year as I wanted to focus on getting back to judo and taking part in the British Veteran Championships,” he said.
“I think the two sports complement each other really well. Judo develops my technical ability, timing and grip fighting, while Cornish wrestling challenges me to adapt, think differently and become a more versatile grappler. Both share the same fundamentals of balance, control and throwing, and I think training in one makes you better at the other.”
Michael is a GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) athlete in Cornwall and benefits from free training membership at any of the hundreds of Better leisure centres nationwide. Locally, he works out with the Polkyth Judo Club at St Austell Leisure Centre.
“Being a GSF athlete is great,” he said. “Competing is expensive so it’s nice not to have to pay for my training.
“I’m delighted with my place on the GBR veterans’ squad and look forward to keeping this momentum going and moving into some international events.”
Operating under the Better brand, GLL is a charitable social enterprise that runs nine leisure centres in Cornwall.
“Many congratulations to Michael on his outstanding results,” said Karen Edmond, GLL Community Sport Manager. “As a GSF athlete, he’s certainly doing us proud and we’re delighted to support him.”
GSF was first launched in 2008, and 178 Cornwall-based athletes were selected for funding in 2026 – the highest number yet.
