Cameron Hickey

My plans for the future

I have now decided to take the next step in my journey which is dedicating all my time towards training and competing at Camberley Judo Club however, I am already struggling to fund day to day expenses let alone European competitions and training camps which I am being selected much more regularly for due to my recent success at European Cup level. Training full time at Camberley will see me completing 2-3 training sessions each day where I have access to some of the best players in the country currently as well as one of GBs most successful coaches Luke Preston. In addition to this I work for my Dads building business on Mondays and weekends to give myself enough money to buy my own food and put fuel in my own car to which even still poses a struggle to myself as I spend most weekends abroad for competitions meaning I can’t work and therefore can’t look after myself financially. Being on the GB Judo Performance Pathway yet choosing to train and live at my home, I am unentitled to funding or support from British Judo. I am also aware the struggle many judokas like myself at the top level face too, however, if I am going to maximise my potential, training and competition pressure and struggles on the mat combined with financially difficulties and a lack of resources off the mat is starting to become too overwhelming for me and may result in me not being able to attend the events I need to attend in order to qualify for the next stage.

As well as improving myself as a Judo player I aim to improve myself as a person through developing further commitment and determination to achieving my goals. I am verypassionate and driven about judo and really want to excel within my chosen path.

Success in 2023 into 2024

My notable results have come in the last year as my training and dedication to the sport has peaked. I won a Gold Medal at the English Closed Event in the -21-age category which gave me a place on the England Performance Pathway Squad (EPP). Shortly after this I won a Silver Medal at the British Championships -21 which gave me a place on the Great Britain Judo Team (the highest level possible currently). My success in 2023 has meant that I am being selected to represent Great Britain internationally in 2024 at European tournament level. I have already had selection for competitions in Birmingham, Lithuania, Prague, Berlin and North Macedonia. A medal at one of these European Events will see me likely selected for the European/ World Championships -21 which would be a massive achievement for myself and a goal of mine for a long time.

Fast forward to July 2024, I have placed 7th at both Lithuania and Birmingham European cups beating some quality opposition from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Germany and Brazil. This has led to me being noticed by the high performance coaches involved with GB Judo and has increased my chances of being selected for the European Championships.

Looking on further, I would also be aiming to reach the Olympic Cycle for 2028 in Los Angeles as well as 2032 In Brisbane which is a long way away but something every judo player wants to achieve, and I truly believe with the right support I can reach this milestonein my career.

If your company would be willing to consider sponsoring me or offering support of any formI would be so grateful and can send you a breakdown of my relevant costs where funding would be very much appreciated as well as putting your company’s logo on my judo kits which can be made visible when I attend competitions abroad.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I would really appreciate any help you could offer to support me achieving my professional judo dream.

A company/individual that is willing to help me fund travel and competition costs in order to give me the best chance at success.