There is something quietly heroic about the fathers and mothers who sit at the edge of the tatami, who pack bags, fundraise, cheer, and wipe away tears, often unnoticed. Among them, one figure has become affectionately known across the adapted judo world. He is one of the “Super Daddy.” His real name is Trevor Westwood, father of British judoka Skye Westwood. To those who watch his tireless devotion, would agree that the nickname, “Super Daddy”, fits perfectly.
Trevor’s story is not the usual tale of a high-performance coach moulding champions. Instead, it is about a father’s love, resilience, and the transformative power of judo.
“I actually did judo as a child,” Trevor recalls. “I started when I was about 11, carried on until 21. I was never the best, just an average player, but I loved being part of it. Years later, when Skye was seven, she was struggling. Because of her Turner syndrome, autism, and learning difficulties, she sometimes became aggressive. We thought: how can we channel this energy? I found a local judo club, took her down, and she loved it straight away.”
After only a few months, Trevor found himself drawn back to the mat. “I asked if I could help, and soon I was coaching again. I worked for my black belt and never looked back. And Skye… well, she has been doing this since she was ten years old. She is 24 now. She is travelled the world: Abu Dhabi, Germany, Sweden, Japan, even Australia. To see her grow into a young woman through judo has made me and my wife incredibly proud.”
For Skye, judo is her community, her safe space, her family. “She has got so many friends through judo. Everyone knows her. She gives hugs after every fight, talks to parents she has never met, and always greets people. Before judo, she was very solitary, sitting in her room listening to music, rocking back and forth. Now she is out there connecting with people. Judo has given her respect, confidence, and love.”
Trevor pauses, smiling. “That is the biggest change. She is not aggressive anymore, she is warm, open, kind. Honestly, it has transformed her life.”
Of course, the journey has not been easy. International trips, training camps, and competitions are expensive, and the family have worked tirelessly to give Skye opportunities. “We have done a lot of fundraising. Her grandfather, who sadly just passed away, was a great supporter. Today’s medal was for him. Skye told us straight after her fight, ‘This one’s for Granddad.’ Moments like that… they bring tears to your eyes.”
Trevor is quick to mention the support network around him too. “My work has been incredible. My boss is an ex-judoka from Germany, and he completely gets it. Everyone has chipped in to make all of it possible.”
Even though Skye is an experienced competitor, Trevor sees huge value in inclusive events like the EJU’s Get Together tournaments. “She is still learning. After her fight today, she realised what mistake she had made and is determined not to repeat it but most importantly, she just loves being here, meeting people, having fun. Without judo, she would be isolated at home. Instead, she is part of this global family.”
As a father, Trevor admits the journey has been emotional. “When Skye was a yellow belt, I once told her coach I would be happy if she got to orange or green. I never expected her to get a black belt, travel the world, and still be competing all these years later. To see what she has achieved fills me with pride every single day. Sometimes it makes me cry.”
For all the medals and trips, what shines through the most is Trevor’s love for his daughter and his gratitude for what the sport has given them both. “This journey hasn’t just changed Skye, it’s changed me. I have seen what judo can do, not just as a sport, but as a way of life and being her ‘Super Daddy’ is the best role I could ever ask for.”
Images: Carlos Ferreira
Author: Szandra Szogedi