Sisters Renicks going for one Olympic qualification

She was one of Glasgow’s golden girls at last year’s Commonwealth Games. Now Kimberley Renicks wants to be brilliant in Brazil at the 2016 Olympics. The 27-year-old from Kirkshaws is British No 1 in the -48kg category and ranked in the world’s top 40.

Big sister Louise’s decision to retire has boosted Kimberley’s hopes of fulfilling her Olympic dream.

Not only will her talented sibling be her personal coach — the family don’t have to worry about sourcing two sets of funding so both of them can compete.

Kimberley will never forget the sacrifices Louise has made over the years and would love to pay her back by completing the journey to Brazil.

“It was overwhelming,” she said when asked how it felt when Louise revealed that she was calling it a day to help her.

“She was giving up one of her dreams to help make my dream.

“Louise has taken a step back at times throughout my career to help me if I’ve been getting the results.

“It will be hard not having her around as a player with us both trying to win competitions.

“Winning at the Commonwealth Games was a big thing for her and she’s happy with what she achieved there.

“Louise is a bit older than me and has to think about her future whereas I’ve got a few more years where I can push on.

“We’ve always said that if one of us makes the Olympics, it will be for both of us because we put in the work for each other.

“If Louise got a medal at an event and I didn’t, I still felt part of it because I was the training partner that got her that medal and vice versa.

“It’s great to hear that your sister believes you have a chance of making it and is not just saying it.”

Kimberley and Louise’s judo journey goes back two decades. Hours have been spent training, competing and travelling.

It’s helped both sisters to know that their biggest fan is fighting alongside them.

They know what the other is going through. They realise what makes the other tick.

The pair are inseparable but Kimberley knows better than to expect any favours when they’re on the training mat.

“It’s going to be tough,” she added.

“Louise knows when I am working hard and when I’m not. She knows how to speak to me and get the best out of me. She will push me to my limit.

“It’s still do-able to make the Olympics but I need to get to a lot of events which is where the financing comes in.

“Britain and Scotland can only help with so many and some of the tournaments are on the other side of the world.

“I sometimes spend more time flying to the country than actually being in the country. When I get home, it’s about planning the next competition.

“If I get to all the events I want to, I think I’ve a good chance.

“It’s about picking up a medal and performing on the day.”