SOUTH Shropshire judo ace Louise McEwan is facing more possible heartache in her bid to gain a place in Great Britain’s national squad. The Ludlow club’s highly rated first Dan, who has just turned 18, was ready to fly the flag in this weekend’s British Championships at Ice Sheffield, knowing that a top four finish would see her clinch a place in the national team.
And with the 2012 Olympics in London fast approaching, it would have been a big two days for the youngster after battling back from a cruciate knee operation last year.
However, she could now miss the prestigious competition after being struck down by tonsillitis, although the recent freeze has put a question mark over the event actually going ahead.
McEwan, supported by club members, would have competed in the under-20 category tomorrow before taking part in the senior event on Sunday. “At this stage it’s unlikely she will be fit enough to compete which will be a really big blow for her, particularly after suffering a cruciate knee injury last year,” said secretary Sally Dodd.
“She has been to the doctors and is taking antibiotics but there may not be enough time for her to get fit.”
McEwan, a former Leominster club member, had made the national squad last year but was unable to grasp her opportunity after being sidelined by a cruciate knee problem.
She is currently one of three club players who are placed on the World Start Programme and trains at Dartford, Sheffield and Walsall, along with Michael Poolton and Jennifer Smith.
The Ludlow club have enjoyed a remarkable rise after re-forming 10 years ago, with 22 members recently making their mark when competing in the Midland Area Commemorative Championship at Walsall. For many of the players this was their first competition and they rose to the occasion to return with two gold medals, four silver and 15 bronze.
Since 2000, seven players have gained their first Dan grade through the club who now have three qualified coaches – one level three and two level two – with Ian Harrington just becoming one of the level two coaches at Bath University.
In September 2000, after being closed for about 10 years, Colin Dodd re-formed the club who were given an old canvas and some foam mats and for 12 months that was how they ran. A year later, a grant for £4,929 enabled the club to buy 50 Gee Mats and suits for the children to train in.
Dodd became a qualified coach in 1997 and a first Dan in 2002, with the club now having 97 members. He trained his daughter Kayleigh to international level where she fought for Great Britain and she in turn has become a level two qualified coach and first Dan and has helped other players to regional, national and international level.
Ludlow have hosted several training days with major world and Olympic stars such as world champion and Olympic silver medallist, Russian Vitaly Makarov, four-times world champion Karen Briggs, world champion Neil Adams and Olympic bronze medallist Dennis Stewart.
The club have strong links with La Ferte Mace Judo Club, from Ludlow’s twin town in France, and for several years have been on and hosted exchanges with them.
In 2008, Colin Dodd was named coach of the year by the South Shropshire Sports & Leisure Advisory Council and was also runner-up in 2006.
Last January, the club were awarded the bronze level of the BJA Club Recognition Scheme and the Sport England Clubmark. This award recognises the high standard achieved by the club in the promotion and delivery of judo.
The club are reaching their full capacity but now seek their own premises where they can expand and teach judo five nights a week with the aim of sending players to the 2012 Olympics in London.
Classes are held at South Shropshire Leisure Centre on Mondays and Fridays starting at 6.45pm. Players of any age can participate.
They are also running self defence courses aimed at women aged 14 and over.