Can Renshall Bring Home a Bronze for GB from Croatia?

British judo Olympian Lucy Renshall has made a remarkable return to competitive judo, claiming bronze at the Zagreb Grand Prix following a year off the sport. This achievement marks her second consecutive medal this season, continuing her impressive comeback after competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the -63kg category, Renshall's performances reflect her dedication and determination to regain her standing in the judo world.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Lucy Renshall's recent success at the Zagreb Grand Prix is a significant indicator of her resilience and skill in the sport of judo. After taking a hiatus to focus on personal matters post-Olympics, she returned to the mat with renewed vigour, securing a gold medal at the European Open prior to her bronze in Zagreb. This latest achievement further solidifies her potential as a contender in future international competitions.

Key takeaways

Lucy Renshall won bronze at the Zagreb Grand Prix, marking her second medal this season.
Renshall took a year off from competitive judo after the 2024 Olympics.
She is currently ranked 34th in the world in her weight category.
The Zagreb Grand Prix is part of the IJF World Tour, impacting athletes' world rankings.
Her next competition will be at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 28 November.

Timeline: how we got here

Lucy's journey leading up to her recent successes can be traced through the following key milestones:

October 2024: Competes at the Paris Olympics.
Late 2024: Takes a year-long break from the sport to refocus and recharge.
October 2025: Returns to competition, winning gold at the European Open.
October 2025: Claims bronze at the Zagreb Grand Prix.

What’s new vs what’s known

New this week

Renshall's bronze medal at the Zagreb Grand Prix highlights her successful return to competitive judo after a significant break. Her performance against Inbal Shemesh demonstrated her ability to perform at a high level against formidable opponents.

What was already established

Before taking a year off, Renshall had already established herself as a talented judoka, having competed at the highest levels, including the Olympics. Her experience and skill set were well recognised within the judo community, setting high expectations for her return.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Renshall's achievements can inspire young athletes and promote interest in judo across the UK. This increased visibility may lead to more participation in judo clubs, contributing to a healthier lifestyle and increased local sports engagement.

Businesses and jobs

The success of athletes like Renshall can also have a positive impact on local businesses, particularly those involved in sportswear, training facilities, and wellness services. Increased engagement in judo could lead to job creation within these sectors.

Policy and regulation

As Renshall continues to succeed on the international stage, sports authorities may prioritise funding and support for judo programs, thereby enhancing training opportunities for future athletes. This could lead to updated policies in sports funding, promoting inclusivity and talent development in martial arts.

Numbers that matter

34: Renshall's current world ranking in the -63kg category.
2: The number of medals Renshall has secured this season.
1: Year taken off after the 2024 Olympics to refocus.
28 November 2025: Date of Renshall's next competition at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
63 kg: Renshall's weight category, which is highly competitive.

Definitions and jargon buster

IJF: International Judo Federation, the governing body of judo worldwide.
WCPP: World Class Performance Programme, a UK initiative to support elite athletes.
Grand Prix: A series of international judo competitions that award ranking points.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, Renshall will prepare for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, focusing on refining her techniques and strategies following her recent performances. She will likely assess her opponents and adapt her training accordingly.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead, Renshall aims to continue building her ranking and securing more medals in upcoming competitions. Her performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be crucial in maintaining momentum and establishing her presence on the IJF World Tour.

Signals to watch

Results from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 28 November.
Changes in world ranking as Renshall competes in more IJF events.
Further announcements regarding funding or support for judo from UK sports authorities.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Renshall's journey through social media or sports news outlets for updates on her progress.
Support local judo clubs to foster the development of young athletes.
Engage in community sports events that promote judo and other martial arts.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of local athletes on grassroots sports engagement.
Neglect to consider the importance of mental health and recovery in sports.
Miss opportunities to participate in or watch judo events for greater community involvement.

Checklist

Stay informed about upcoming judo competitions and events.
Engage with local judo clubs for training opportunities.
Encourage youth participation in martial arts.
Monitor Renshall’s performance and learn from her strategies.
Promote healthy lifestyles through sports and physical activity.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Renshall's current form is promising, there are inherent uncertainties in competitive sports, including injuries or changes in performance levels. The competitive landscape in judo is continuously evolving, and future results can be unpredictable. Additionally, external factors such as funding and support for athletes can significantly influence their careers.

Bottom line

Lucy Renshall's return to judo is a testament to her determination and skill. With recent successes and upcoming competitions, she is poised to continue making waves in the judo world. As she aims for further accolades, her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the UK.

FAQs

What is Lucy Renshall's current world ranking?

Lucy Renshall is currently ranked 34th in the world in the -63kg judo category.

When will Lucy Renshall compete next?

Renshall's next competition is at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scheduled for 28 November 2025.

What achievements has Lucy Renshall recently accomplished?

Renshall recently secured bronze at the Zagreb Grand Prix, following her gold medal win at the European Open, marking a successful return to competitive judo.