YOUNG county athletes fought their way to the top at the Scottish National Judo Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

Sportif Judo club members took home a host of medals and two were crowned Scottish champions.

Gold medals and the title of Scottish champion went to Griffyn Williams, a P7 pupil at North Berwick’s Law Primary School, and also to Samuel Walker of Ross High School, Tranent.

Williams, 11, triumphed in the A Band Boys’ under-55kgs category, while 14-year-old Walker’s win in the Cadet Boys under-46kgs section also saw him top Judo Scotland’s coveted Grand Prix 2018 points table for B Band Boys in his weight class.

Sportif – which has clubs in Tranent, Dunbar and North Berwick, as well as across Scotland – topped the overall medal table at the championships with 19 golds.

Founder Peter Gardiner said: “All Sportif players have worked very hard all year for the Nationals and their hard work has paid off.

“The club is proud of both Sam and Griffyn becoming Scottish champions: both put in lots of hard work and good performances on the day.”

And he added: “Sam will now be competing in the British Championships this weekend and we wish him all the very best.”

Also picking up medals at the championships earlier this month were Ruairidh Hill, Law Primary School; Oliver Walker, Ross High; and Sophie Wood, Ross High (all silvers) and Archie Strang, Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School, Tranent; Cameron McVey, North Berwick High School; Lois Henderson, Ross High; and Bree Thompson, North Berwick High (all bronzes).

Mr Gardiner added: “Our aim has always been to provide a positive environment to learn judo and, very importantly, give all our members a pathway to reach their individual potential.

“We created Sportif Judo Excel Talent Programme in 2004 to give committed and talented players the opportunity to be all they can be.

“The Excel Programme has produced countless Scottish team and many Team GB members, including Hannah Wood, a fifth-year student from Ross High who has represented Team GB at the Cadet European Championships.

“We have had outstanding support from East Lothian Active Schools, who have been with us every step of the way, and we know our development and success is linked to that partnership and we would like to thank them.”

To book a free trial lesson with Sportif Judo call 01896 800334 or see sportifjudo.com