2015 has to date proved to be a successful year for local sportswoman, Holly Bentham, aged 14.
Holly has so far been promoted into the England Judo Cadet Squad (Under 18s) following her performances at the Pre Cadet level and has now gained a place on the England Talent Development Squad, the elite competitor section of the British Judo Association Team.
Her selection for the ETD squad was achieved following a challenging, judo skills assessment of all England Squad members which was combined with several grueling physical tests during which Holly managed 62 continuous press ups, exceeded the standard for the running bleep test and successfully completed flexibility and leg power measures.
Fresh on the back of being awarded the Hull Daily Mail, Junior Sportswoman, the young judoka has contributed to the nationwide “This Girl Can” campaign being interviewed by Radio Humberside and has most recently benefited from the generosity of the Beverley Company, Coles the Solicitors who have very kindly provided sponsorship to assist the local athlete progress further in her sport.
In what promises to be a tough year being at the bottom end of her particular age band, Bentham still managed to claim a silver medal at the Yorkshire and Humberside Championships, recording four straight wins, before finally being edged out in her last fight by friend and team mate, Tanith Spencer, aged 16; in the golden score period at the end of the normal contest time.
Bentham is next in action over the Easter period competing in Edinburgh, where one of the calendars toughest events awaits her.
