Chichester physiotherapy student takes Judo title at Scottish championships  

University of Chichester student Sam Walker won the Scottish Championship in Judo for his weight class in November – and now his sights are set on the Commonwealth Games.

“It feels amazing to be a National Champion,” he said. “This is my first time being senior national champion but more than that I fought up a weight in the Under 66kg as opposed to my usual category at under 60kg, so it was a hard graft. It also meant a lot as it was my first competition back in over a year off the mat due to a serious neck injury I suffered in November 2024, so the day was quite emotional for me and my family.”

Sam, who is a first year BSc Physiotherapy student, was five when he first got involved with Judo.

“It started out honestly as just a fun bit of exercise and getting to try something new with my friends but as time went on, I realised I loved being on the mat above all else, learning about respect, etiquette and sportsmanship along the way,” he said.

“I earned my first national medal at 12 years old, taking a silver at the Scottish national championships, and then a bronze medal at the British Championships at 13 years old, which is when I decided to stick at it and commit to being a young Judo athlete.”

During his high school years, Sam won three Scottish under-17 titles while taking six British medals across all age groups. He was brought into the British national team training pathway and fought in European competitions. He then moved to the South East from Scotland, where he joined Camberley Judo Club, an elite Judo training centre, and the University of Chichester to study physiotherapy.

“The university have been great in helping me balance both my studies and my Judo career,” Sam said. “They gave both me and my partner Laura, who is also a GB Judoka, a space in the university to train and practice our techniques, and were also accepted onto the Gifted Athlete Support Programme (GASP), giving us access to both financial support, nutritionists and physiotherapy to name just a few.

“I decided to study at Chichester because the university seemed like a really great place to be a student. Even as far back as the interviews and open days, I could tell that all the lecturers and support staff were kind and supportive. I felt a sense of togetherness and genuine care from them, so I jumped at the opportunity to come here.

“As for why I decided to study physio, I felt that the course linked well to my sporting background, but I also wanted to end up in a job where I could help and support others. It is a very interesting and rewarding course to be involved in.

“My aspirations for the future have chopped and changed loads, especially over the last three years. In terms of Judo, I just want to work hard and be the best athlete I can, whether that leads me down the road of the Olympic pathway or just being able to compete both domestically and on the European tour at senior level.

“The Commonwealth Games are next summer in Glasgow, so my main goal is to qualify for that and represent Scotland and the university at Under 60kg. Alongside this I want to go straight into work as a physiotherapist so I can start truly learning the trade and go on to help others.”