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Mike aims for GB spot after spanking yank for title

Published on 06/12/2006

TEENAGE judo ace Michael Horley is targeting a senior debut for Great Britain after outclassing experienced Olympic contender Adler Volmar to win the US Open in Miami.

Horley, from Carlisle, overcame Volmar, now a US citizen, who had represented his native Haiti at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

He is hoping to win a medal for his adopted nation America at the Beijing Games in two years? time.

But he was no match in for 19-year-old Horley. The Cumbrian was so dominant that judges disqualified Volmar three minutes into the bout for failing to attack enough.

"I just kept going at him all the time and didn't give him chance to attack me," said Horley.

It was a momentous title win for the Stanwix fighter, who was making his first appearance in an open weight tournament.

The Kobayashi Kwai Club competitor usually competes in the 81k division but decided to make the step up to take on bigger opponents in a bid to test himself ahead of the Great Britain senior trials.

And he proved he's capable of taking on the biggest of opponents by beating the heaviest opponent of his career - 140 kilo Adam Blackburn in the semi-final.

"I think my speed gave me an advantage," he said.

Despite his success in America, Horley is searching for sponsorship. If you can help, contact him on 01228 521952.