Nekoda Davis Takes Step Toward Olympics

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Two victories at World Championship provide grounds for optimism

Former Ealing Judo Club Judoka Nekoda Davis produced some fine judo at the 2015 World Judo Championships in Astana before being knocked out at the round of 16 on Wednesday 26 August.

Davis, who developed her skills at the club in West Acton, won the Zagreb Grand Prix earlier this year, got the better of Bulgaria’s Ivelina Ilieva in her opening contest before producing an impressive finish against Shushana Hevondian to book a place in the third round.

Next up was France’s Olympic and World medallist Automne Pavia and after a tight contest it was the Frenchwoman who came out on top.

Speaking afterwards Davis was positive and looking ahead to Rio 2016, “I felt on my best form today. I felt like I was capable of taking a medal but it wasn’t meant to be so I will take all the experience I have gained from this World Championships and work on improving my skills to become a world champion one day.”

GB Elite Performance coach Kate Howey was also positive about Davis’s future progress, "Nekoda fought really well today and showed some lovely judo throwing twice for Ippon. She is fighting without fear and is getting better and better.

“She gained valuable Rio points today and looking at her rate of improvement Rio is looking bright and she will mix in with and beat the best players in the world.”

 

August 27, 2015