East Lothian judoka Kathleen Inglis was on the podium at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles last week, as she claimed a bronze medal.

The 28-year old, from Wallyford, performed superbly in her opening contest as she beat her German opponent by ippon – ‘one full point’, which is the highest score that can be achieved.

Inglis’ second pool opponent pulled out due to an earlier injury, giving the county ace her second win, by default.

Going into her last two bouts, Inglis was guarenteed a medal, with her bouts determining which she would be in contention for.

It was not to be gold, though, as Inglis, of Wemyss Gardens, had to settle for bronze.

But that represented a huge success for the county star – who had to cover her own costs of travelling to the competition in California.

Family and friends organised fundraisers to ensure that Inglis, a former Wallyford Primary and Saltersgate School pupil, could make it to Los Angeles.

However, they were unable to travel to America and watch Kathleen in action due to work commitments and the cost of flights.

Father Peter Inglis, told Courier Sport: “Both myself and my wife work and the cost is just ridiculous.

“The cheapest flight is something like £900, plus there would be accommodation and food on top of that.” The family were, though, “over the moon” with her success.

Mum Carol told Courier Sport: “We are all absolutely delighted, we’re just so proud of her.

“She did really, really well and we are all just so pleased – and so is she.

“I knew she was fighting between midnight and 2am UK time so I took my phone to bed and it wasn’t until I got up in the morning and checked online that I found out she had won bronze.

“I got a chance to speak to her and she was just so pleased.” She was one of five judokas to win medals for Team GB, among an incredible haul of 179 medals at the biggest ever Special Olympics in Los Angeles.

Carol was looking forward to seeing her daughter when she arrived back at Edinburgh Airport on Tuesday evening.