Veteran Sandbach judo star, Martin Barrie, notched up a bronze medal for England in the Commonwealth judo championships in Malta year.

Now he's getting ready to compete for his country again - but this time in the ParisWorld Championships for veterans next month (November).

Martin, who lives in Sandbach and can often be seen running in to the town to keep fit said: "There are currently 28 Judoka ( players) from all around the world that have entered my weight and age group.

"I am representing Great Britain in group M7 , Men age group 60 t0 65 years old at under 100\kilos. 

 "My training has now increased to four days per week, of training sessions of two to three hours roughly eight hours per week.

"If I am not on the Judo mat ( Tatami) then I'm running around Sandbach keeping my fitness levels up. If anyone sees me running, a good luck wave would not go a miss.

"I need all the support I can get for this one. I can only do my best and hopefully get on the medal podium at the end of the event."

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The Paris event runs from 3 November until 7 November and Barrie will fight on Thursday, 6 November.

He added: "I have also been supporting the local area by supporting with the coaching when time allows at Middlewich Judo club and made a few appearances at Sandbach Judo club to support local Judo in the area.

Martin on the podium with fellow winners last year. (Photo: Martin Barrie)

"My main base for training is in Manchester under the watchful eye of Steve Pullen MBE my coach who has had several players at the Olympic games.

"I'm getting a bit old for that now, but the veteran's judo being split into age and weight groups gives the more mature players the opportunity to still take part in veteran events. I believe you are never to old to compete or start doing Judo."

And Martin's fitness push will continue into next year when he takes part in the Manchester Marathon on Sunday, 19 April.

Martin also maintains his fitness regime out walking his dog and or pounding the streets around Sandbach running. 

He said previously: "I'm regularly out running around the local area or taking Max my dog for long walks and I know a lot of people that stop and ask how the training is going." 

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