Olivia hits medal jackpot in Vegas

Olivia helped the England team win gold, while she claimed an individual silver in the grappling event and an individual bronze at sports ju jitsu, which saw competitors fight standing up using protective equipment.

The 19-year-old from Healds Road, Staincliffe, took up the sport 10 years ago, under the guidance of Mick Howe at the Batley Sports and Tennis Centre.

Having grown in confidence, Olivia was invited to enter competitions, and over the years she has made outstanding progress.

Olivia was a pupil at St John Fisher School and is now studying for a degree in sports exercise and science at the Central Lancashire University, while she also works part time for Kirklees Active Leisure.

Olivia has trained under Mick Howe throughout and he nominated her to the national selectors, who invited her to squad training, which ultimately led her to being picked for the England team who went to the World Championships

Olivia explained: “My dad first took me to the classes and as my confidence grew I started to enter competitions.

“After I was selected for the England squad training, the coaches liked the way I fought and I was selected.

“I had six fights in total in Las Vegas and I really enjoyed taking part in the competition.”