University of Chichester Student Crowned Scottish Judo Champion – With Eyes On Commonwealth Crown

A University of Chichester student is celebrating after becoming Scottish Judo Champion for his weight class — and now he’s setting his sights firmly on the Commonwealth Games.

Sam Walker clinched the national title in November, competing in the under-66kg category rather than his usual under-60kg class.

The victory was especially meaningful as it marked his return to competition following a serious neck injury suffered in late 2023.

“It feels amazing to be a National Champion,” Sam said.

“I fought up a weight category, so it was a real graft. It was also my first competition in over a year due to the injury, so it was emotional for me and my family.”

Sam, now a first-year BSc Physiotherapy student, began judo at the age of five.

What started as a fun activity with friends quickly turned into a passion.

“I loved being on the mat above all else — learning respect, etiquette, and sportsmanship along the way,” he said.

He earned his first national medal at 12, winning silver at the Scottish Championships, and followed it up with a British bronze at 13.

From there, he committed fully to the sport, going on to claim three Scottish under-17 titles and six British medals across various age groups.

His success earned him a place on the British national team pathway, competing across Europe.

After relocating from Scotland to the South East, Sam joined the elite Camberley Judo Club and enrolled at the University of Chichester to study physiotherapy.

He says the university has been instrumental in helping balance his academic and sporting commitments.

“They’ve been great,” he said.

“The university gave me and my partner Laura — who’s also a GB Judoka — a space to train and we were accepted onto the Gifted Athlete Support Programme.

"That’s given us access to financial support, nutritionists and physiotherapy.”

He chose Chichester, he added, because the staff showed genuine care from the first open day onwards.

As for his academic path, Sam said physiotherapy links naturally with his sporting background and offers the chance to “help and support others” in a meaningful way.

Looking ahead, his ambitions are clear.

“In Judo, I just want to work hard and be the best athlete I can — whether that takes me toward the Olympic pathway or continued success in domestic and European senior competition.

"The Commonwealth Games are next summer in Glasgow, so my main goal is to qualify for that and represent Scotland at under 60kg.”

Alongside pursuing qualification, Sam aims to begin work as a physiotherapist after graduating, combining both passions as he builds his future career.