Daisy-Bea sets the gold standard

Daisy-Bea Flett (11), who attends Lawhead Primary school, won the gold medal in the Under 44kg category, as well as a bronze in the Under 46kg.

Daisy-Bea added the two medals to her already impressive collection, having claimed the gold medal in the Under 44kg category in the Scottish Championships last year.

Although she actually won silver in the Under 46kg competition – which she only entered because the category was short of finalists – her prize was downgraded because of her gold medal success.

The victory was all the more impressive due to recent surgery impeding her training programme.

“She’s had hearing problems and just had surgery eight weeks ago,” her mum, Jackie Scanlon, explained.

“It messed up her training schedule completely.

“She just went for the experience. I couldn’t believe it when she won. I was ecstatic”

Daisy-Bea, who trains at Sportif Judo Club under John Buchanan, a former Olympic judo team captain and one of just three Scots to have won a World medal, had a long route to success.

“She had about eight fights on the day,” her mum said.

“She was invited because she’s the Scottish champion and the tournament involved competitors from all over Britain.”

The gold medal could be the beginning of a bright future for Daisy-Bea, with the next step being participation in some international competitions.

“The British Minors Championship is the most important competition she can currently compete in,” Jackie explained.

“John has only had four other gold medal winners at the British Championship during his whole time as a coach. She’s the best in Britain at her size and international competitions are the next step up.” Next for Daisy-Bea is a trip to the Southend International Championships.