JUDO ace Bryan Jolly has climbed to number one in the world rankings for the cadet under-50kg class.
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The list is a massive lift in confidence as the Campbells Forest teenager prepares to compete at this year’s Youth Olympics in China.
The 16-year-old will continue to rack up the hours training at Judo Bendigo’s dojo in Adam Street and at weekend workouts in Melbourne.
Next major hit-out for Jolly and eight clubmates will be the Australian titles in Wollongong on the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
It will be far from a holiday as Jolly will compete in the cadet under-50kg, under-20 under-55kg, and senior men under-60kg divisions.
The world rankings were based on Jolly’s feats at the Oceania titles and later the junior worlds held in the United States in Miami.
Since he joined Judo Bendigo, Jolly has had a lot of support on and off the mat.
“Clubmates have done a lot for me,” Jolly said of training sessions run by sensei Ben Donegan and Neville Sharpe.
“The support from the club is fantastic,” the talented teenager said of clubmates chipping in to to raise funds toward last year’s campaigns overseas.
Inglewood and District Community Bank is another major backer.
Judo plays a big part in the life of the Jolly family, parents Terry and Josie, and sons Kim, Allen and Bryan.
A year 11 student at East Loddon P-12, Bryan is facing a busy time on and off the mat across the next few months.
The build-up to the Youth Olympics includes training camps at the AIS in Canberra in late June, Japan in early July, Hong Kong in mid-July, and Switzeraland in late July.
“Quick movement and fast transitions will be the key in every match,” Jolly said.
The Youth Olympics are on from August 12 to 30.
