Cox wins British title and washes away Olympic judo disappointment

Sophie Cox has achieved her main aim following Olympic disappointment by claiming the British title for the third time in four years. She got the better of Scot Jennifer Brien in the final showdown in Walsall, her opponent losing the contest after being penalised for an infringement.

Cox added the title to the Scottish and Welsh crowns she had won since returning from Athens in August.

She told Observer Sport: "After returning from Athens my priority was to retain my domestic number one ranking to ensure selection for the major events in 2005.

"In the Welsh and Scottish Opens I was able to practise some more exciting judo and still manage to win, but winning the British title was the most important thing and I concentrated on making no mistakes."

Cox will now focus on representing Great Britain in the University World Championships in Moscow later this month. They will bring the curtain down on a memorable 12 months for the Littleborough star.

"This time last year I was still recovering from a serious elbow injury, but 2004 has been a fantastic year of achievement for me," she said.

"I won a silver medal in the European Championships and secured a place in the British Olympic team for Athens. I know I can still improve, so now I have to move on and prepare for the European and World Championships in 2005, with the Beijing Olympics my ultimate goal."

Cox’s achievements were recognised on Sunday when she was presented with a "Fighting Films" trophy, voted for by readers of World of Judo magazine.