UKAF judokas win medals at European Judo Championship Veterans Riga 2025

Two UK Armed Forces judokas have won medals at the European Judo Championship Veterans Riga 2025.

Colour Sergeant Colin Francis, from 30 Commando Royal Marines, put together a strong run of form in the round robin format to win gold in the -60kg weight category for the M3 age group after bouncing back from an early defeat to Spain's Jorge Galan Barbosa.

Speaking to the European Judo Union, he said: "It feels fantastic, especially, as I have accumulated several silver medals over the years, this is my first gold.

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"Admittedly, the initial loss was difficult to take, but with the support around me, I was able to regroup and come back stronger.

"This result is a significant step forward, and now my focus shifts to the World Championships. I am hopeful that the streak of silvers is behind me and that I can aim for gold on the world stage too."

The RAF's Sergeant Andy Melbourne stood on the podium in the +100kg M2 event after winning a silver medal and finishing second to home country hero Viktor Resko.