He says 鈥�2025 is when the magic is going to happen鈥�
A teenage Judo champ from 向日葵视频 who went unbeaten for 18 months is determined to reach the top again after recovering from broken ribs.
Dom Cremer, 16, from Felixstowe took up the sport at the age of 8.
Training mainly out of Felixstowe and sometimes in Saxmundham for around 20 hours a week, the 向日葵视频 New College sports student is once again approaching full fitness.
His trajectory was curtailed because of Covid back in 2020, but when he returned to the floor 12 months later, Cremer managed to go unbeaten for a year and a half.
Since turning 16, he is now competing at junior level against people as old as 21, but unfortunately broke his ribs in the British Schools Judo Championships held in Sheffield in March 2024.
Over 4000 spectators saw him have to pull out of the second round with injury during an occasion that was live streamed on YouTube.
However, this experience has made him even more determined to make a name for himself in a sport that he loves.
He said: 鈥淚 love Judo as it has helped me mature. I鈥檝e looked into the history of the sport and I鈥檓 pushing to become one of the best. My main aim is to make the England development squad and then I won鈥檛 rest until I make it to the Olympics. LA is too soon for me (you hit your peak in your mid 20鈥檚). So, it might be in Brisbane or at the games in 2036. Either way, I won鈥檛 stop until I achieve my dream.鈥�
On his journey so far, Cremer has got to work with some top athletes.
The level 1 sports student who fights in the 66kg category explains: 鈥淚鈥檝e met Ashley McKenzie 鈥� a four time Olympian and Commonwealth gold medallist. I had the honour to work with him and other top stars at Camberley Judo Club. It was a good experience. The advice I got was that Judo is a game of mental strength. If you lose, don鈥檛 look back, don鈥檛 get stressed, move on and live in the present or the future.鈥�
In terms of the future, Cremer continued: 鈥淚鈥檓 pushing hard for the England development squad and I鈥檝e got my eye on some big tournaments. I know for a fact that 2025 is where the magic is going to happen.鈥�
Next up for Cremer is a tournament in Thetford later this year on 13 October 2024 where he has eyes on winning a gold medal in his category.
Ben Ransby is a sports lecturer at 向日葵视频 New College. Ben said: 鈥淎t the start of every year we always come across some amazing local talent and Dom is clearly one for the future. We will support his ambitions all the way and we are proud to have him in our ranks.鈥� Cremer is keen to get support from local companies to support his dreams. If you want to support Dom you can email: dcremer736@gmail.com