EAST Lothian athlete Murray McConnell took home a bronze medal in Judo after this year’s European Para Youth Games in Turkey.
The young star was commended by both his school in Prestonpans and Judo Scotland.
Murray, who is visually impaired, was one of four judokas selected to represent Great Britain at the European Para Youth Games.
The event, which was held this year in Istanbul, is a multi-sport event that provides young athletes from across the world the chance to compete internationally.
Murray, who trains at Danderhall Judo Club in Dalkeith, led the GB delegation as a flagbearer at the opening ceremony of the games last week.
He later sealed GB’s fourth medal with a bronze win in the under 70kg J1 category.
Murray lost his sight at the age of nine but has continually excelled in judo, having competed in the European Judo Union Venray Get Together Tournament, as well as the Scottish National Closed Championship.
He was part of the JudoScotland Talent Development Pathway in 2023, which allowed him to train in Belgium and further hone his skills.
Murray attended Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans, with the school recently commending him for his success.
The school wrote: “Well done to our very own Murray who has been selected to represent GB at the European Para Youth Games in Istanbul this week.
“What an enormous achievement.”
British Judo also praised the medal winner, saying: “Murray McConnell sealed GB’s fourth medal at the European Para Youth Games with bronze on Saturday.
“A valiant performance in a tough -70kg J1 category, showing real determination against world-class opposition.
“Huge congratulations, Murray — a brilliant way to round off a successful championships for the team.”
Murray’s GB teammates also secured big wins as 16-year-old Jake Pasquill won gold against Germany’s Nathan Van Melle, Rico Amediku from High Wycombe won bronze, and Jolene Donaghue secured a bronze in the under 52kg J1 category.
