Michael brings home bronze

Tring’s Michael Fryer won a bronze medal in judo at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Michael, 26, grew up in the town, and was a pupil at Grove Road Primary and then Tring School. He moved to Birmingham at the age of 18 to train full time at the GB Judo Centre of Excellence in Walsall.

As a youngster, he trained at Rushjudo in Berkhamsted and still trains there when he comes home. His proud mum Trudi said: ‘He is only where he is today thanks to the commitment and dedication of his coach, Laurie Rush.’ She added: ‘We are so proud of his achievement. It was so amazing to watch.’

Although Michael is a full-time GB athlete, he has to work part time at Sainsbury’s (around his training) to make ends meet. Trudi said: ‘Funding is not great in judo and he would really love to be able to get some sponsorship.’

On his win, Michael commented: ‘This wasn’t the result I came for but I’m happy to bring home a medal for Team England. Competing with the crowd and the lights is not something we get to do in judo very often and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.’