SWINDON-based judoka Stuart Jackman is set to go Down Under after being selected to compete for Great Britain Adaptive Judo in the Oceania-Asia Games in Brisbane, Australia this November.

Jackman trains at Swindon Judo Club under coaches Lee Adams and Roy Walker, and after becoming British Champion for the sixth time earlier this year, he was selected for the elite competition on the other side of the world.

Reacting to an emotional year, the judoka said: “I was previously selected for the Virtus European Championships in Krakow, Poland, earlier this year, but with everything going on with Ukraine and the withdrawal of various European Judo teams the Judo event was cancelled.

“It was hugely disappointing after missing out on so many events due to Covid, so I am therefore itching to get out to Australia to fight in a prestigious elite event.”

Stuart is looking to bring home a gold medal to propel him onto selection for the Virtus World Championships in Vichy, France in 2023.

“It is the dream of every competitive athlete to be the best in the world, and I am no different,” said Jackman.

“I am willing to put in the hard training and push myself, however, competing around the world is not cheap and there isn’t the funding yet for the Adaptive Category which I fight in.”

“The highly-decorated judoka has been raising money through a Just Giving page in his name while also looking for local businesses who would be able to help with the costs of competing.

Jackman explained: “I must cover my own accommodation, flights, entry fees and associated membership fees with Virtus and the UK Sports Association.

“In return there are promotional things I can do, for example, displaying logos on my Judo suit, and I would love to be creative so that I can reciprocate support in any way I can.”

“Throughout my competitive career I have been supported by Wendy Learmouth from Royal Wootton Bassett Sports Injury and Rehab Clinic to deal with different injuries I have had over the years. Such support is truly making a massive difference and keeps me training and fighting.”

Jackman has asked any businesses which may be able to help, to contact studojudo987@gmail.com for a sponsor pack and more information.