Teen jiu-jitsu champion celebrates double gold win

A teenager from Swindon is celebrating a double gold medal win at the 2025 England jiu-jitsu championships.

Victoria, 15, a pupil at Lawn Manor Academy, was also made national champion at the GBJ Nationals in Walsall in June.

She started training at Swindon's Draco Dojo Martial Arts Academy in 2018 and has since competed at an international level, as well as being part of the GB Youth Team.

"It's an unbelievable achievement and I'm so proud of myself and everyone else who competed," she said.

She added: "It's such an amazing feeling to know that you've achieved something this big.

"The competition was very tough - you could tell everyone really wanted to win."

Competing in four matches, Victoria won each fight, resulting in her double gold medals, taking her total career medal tally to 10.

Victoria is currently training towards higher belts and plans to become an assistant before progressing to become a sensei.

"This year though, we've got more competitions planned and maybe a world competition later this summer too," she said.

Marek Koza, assistant headteacher at Lawn Manor Academy, where Victoria studies, said: "Victoria's commitment to being at the top of her game at such a young age is truly inspiring.

"We are incredibly proud of her continued achievements and her enthusiasm for being the best – she's a great example to all young people in Swindon."

Draco Dojo brought home a total of six gold medals, four silver and two bronze.

Adam Esz, of the academy, said: "We couldn't be prouder of every athlete who stepped on the mats - their skill, composure, camaraderie, and attitude were second to none."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.