31 January 2012

Former world champion Craig Fallon retires from competition

Former world champion Craig Fallon retires from competition

Former world champion Craig Fallon has retired from competition to pursue a coaching career in the Olympic sport.
The 29-year-old returned to action a year ago after a post-Beijing exile from judo and moved up to compete in the -66kg category.
The two-time Olympian, who was one of three British men to claim a world title, took gold at the 2011 British Trials and bronze at the Russian European Cup with his last medal coming in July as he won the German European Cup. Last year he competed at the World Championships U66kg and at the team event.

The British Judo Association Lifetime Member started his career at Wolverhampton Judo Club before moving to Hardy Spicer 83 Judo Club at the age of 14.

When the opportunity came up to train full-time as part of the National Academy at Bisham Abbey Craig moved south but remained very much part of his club and still is today.
The 2006 European Champion, who has recently staged highly-popular master classes across the country, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career including my coaches, family, friends and teammates.”

British Judo would like to wish Craig well in his coaching career and will be honouring his outstanding career with a special award when he completes the final section of his coaching qualification in February.