Returning Renshall claims bronze for GB in Croatia

After a year off, British judo Olympian Lucy Renshall took home her second consecutive medal at the Zagreb Grand Prix.

Following a gold-winning campaign at the European Open in October, the 29-year-old made a fine comeback in Croatia by competing in the -63 kg category.

Although Israel’s Gili Sharir lost to Renshall in the semi-finals, Renshall won gold in the bronze medal contest against Sharir’s fellow compatriot Inbal Shemesh.

Renshall, who retired from competing at the Paris Olympics in 2024, said, “It’s great to be back on the IJF tour.”

I took a year off the WCPP (World Class Performance Programme for British Olympians) after the Olympics to concentrate on other things and take a break, but I was eager to return.

I felt more than prepared to take the “step by step” approach, with UK competitions coming first, followed by a European Open following. I can see how hard work has paid off after competing in the Zagreb Grand Prix and winning a medal. I’m more than ever upbeat and looking forward to what’s up next.