We are delighted that Jamie has joined our BRIT Ambassador family.
Jamie is an inspirational adaptive athlete who has represented Great Britain in Judo, won silver at the World Judo games and silver at the British Judo Championships.
“This is a very challenging time for young adults and students; especially for those who are vulnerable or who have existing mental health difficulties. Having been a former college and university student, I appreciate the importance of students and young adults receiving timely support and access to vital services when they need it.
It is a pleasure to be part of the BRIT Ambassador family and assist with their vision to support and improve the mental health, wellbeing and fitness of all young adults and students in the UK.
Their annual BRIT Challenge is an opportunity that every UK university and college should embrace for the benefit of all their students and staff. I am delighted that the BRIT 2021 Challenge is inclusive and has been designed to enable young adults and students of all abilities to take part in many different ways; at home or on campus.
BRIT are delivering inspiration and encouragement to students and young adults with the support of their BRIT Ambassador family. I hope that Olympians, Paralympians and sports personalities throughout the UK will join me to both encourage universities and colleges to enter teams and support students and staff as they complete their BRIT Challenge.
With COVID-19 restrictions in place and students not being able to travel or go on to campus, BRIT Ambassadors are providing support remotely with video messages and encouragement to students and staff on social media. I would be delighted to support students and staff at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, and the University of Reading, should they enter teams in the BRIT 2021 Challenge.”
Between 2010 and 2012, Jamie studied at The Sixth Form College Farnborough and went on to study at the IFS University College between 2013 and 2016.
After developing a chronic pain condition, Jamie made the difficult decision to undergo a below-knee amputation in 2016 and subsequently needed a revision surgery in 2017. As part of his rehabilitation following surgery, Jamie leant how to walk with his prothesis and also uses a Blade XT running blade.
Jamie competes internationally in Judo under the Special Needs/Adaptive category and without the use of his prosthesis. He is currently ranked second in the world.
British Judo do not currently have separate competitions for those with physical disabilities, so Jamie generally competes against those with mild learning difficulties. As a National level, Jamie achieved a silver medal at the British Judo Championships as a silver medal at his debut international Judo competition in 2017. He has also achieved a silver medal at the World Judo games in 2019.
Jamie is currently the only lower-limb amputee in the world to compete internationally and he hopes to continue representing Great Britain at international level.
Between 2019 and 2020, Jamie completed his PGCE at the University of Reading and now teaches mathematics in Basingstoke.
In addition to Judo, Jamie also competes internationally in Obstacle Course Racing. He is a Tough Mudder Ambassador and has completed the most courses out of any other UK adaptive athlete; he has completed over 70 Tough Mudder courses, four competitive 8 hour endurance races, as well as World’s Toughest Mudder – a 24 hour endurance race in the USA. Jamie has competed at the European and World Obstacle Course Race Championships and placed 3rd in one category against over 60 able-bodied athletes.
To read more about Jamie, please visit his website. To learn more about British Judo, please visit the British Judo website.