Royal Marine beats world number one in his fight to bring Judo back

Sgt Colin Francis beat the current World Championship Gold medallist during rounds at the European Judo Championships in Slovenia this weekend.

Competing in the M2-60KG judoka, Sgt Francis claimed silver to match his European Veteran Championship result from 2018.

Sgt Francis was one of four Great British Judoka who claimed a medal at the Veteran Championships this year, with his result made all the sweeter by beating the current world number one in his category. 

The Chairman of Royal Marines Judo, WO2 Andy Farmer said, “Frankie is no stranger to the podium having won two World Veteran Championship silver medals in his career so far.”

Judo in the Royal Navy was one of the hardest hit sports during the covid-19 pandemic due to the close physical contact and getting back on their feet has taken longer than most. 

Sgt Francis is the secretary for Royal Marines Judo and has been at the forefront of the fight to bring the sport back to its former glory within the Navy.

WO2 Farmer said, “Sgt ‘Frankie’ Francis has worked really hard to bring judo back for the Royal Marines. 

“Over the last two months Frankie has been integral in preparing and delivering two training camps. One for the Royal Marines, Exercise Gentle Way in the Great British Centre of Excellence in Walsall, and one for the Royal Navy, Exercise Kano Warrior in RNAS Yeovilton.

“He managed to do this all at the same time as preparing himself to compete in the European Championships.”

Sgt Francis is one of five Royal Marines heading out to Italy for a training camp with the Great British Judo team this week to develop their skills alongside more than two-hundred athletes from several other countries. 

It is safe to say that judo is back for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and there is a lot more to come for Sgt Francis and the team this year.