Ben Fletcher claims big-names scalps on way to latest international judo medal

25 July 2017

Team Bath judoka Ben Fletcher continued his preparations for next month’s World Championships by winning a bronze medal at the European Open in Minsk, Belarus.

It was a third podium finish of 2017 for the MJ Church ambassador, following up on his bronze at the Rome European Open and silver at last month’s Cancun Grand Prix in Mexico.

Fletcher, coached by Juergen Klinger at the University of Bath Sports Training Village, overcame Sweden’s Emil Mattsson, Russia’s Mikhail Kosyashnikov and Lasha Taveluri of Georgia to reach the semi-finals of the men’s -100kg weight division.

Michael Korrel of the Netherlands, currently ranked number two in the world, ended his winning run but Fletcher responded brilliantly to beat number-four ranked Elmar Gasimov of Azerbaijan and claim the bronze medal.

Well that was a day to remember!! A bronze medal today for me but more importantly a really good performance beating some top players! I’m really happy as I fought really well and also I am currently preparing for the world championships so I feel like there is a lot more to add to my performance!! 3 days training camp out here in Belarus and then home on Thursday!! Shoutout to everyone who allow me to follow my dreams!! #fightingfilms #PJC #mjchurch #TEAMBATH #chaos

A post shared by Ben Fletcher (@benfletcherjudo92) on Jul 23, 2017 at 1:43pm PDT

Click here to find out more about the judo programme at the University of Bath.