Accidental Olympian: Colin Oates, a Judo Journey

Accidental Olympian is the inspiring tale of Colin Oates, a judo athlete who defied the odds to qualify for and compete in two Olympic Games. Despite facing local prejudices and defeating top players worldwide, he became the British number-one under-66kg player for nearly a decade before achieving his Olympic dream.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 14 June 2021
\n Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
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Accidental Olympian is an inspiring tale of a judo athlete who dared to aspire for greatness. Colin Oates honed his skills in the remote wilderness of Norfolk, training at a village hall club operated by his father. The prospect of competing in the Olympics seemed unattainable, yet Oates miraculously qualified for and participated in two Olympic Games. Despite facing local prejudices within the judo fraternity and defeating numerous world-class opponents, Oates was born in Harold Wood, Essex. With the support of his dedicated father, he embarked on a global journey, competing in unfamiliar territories. Oates' journey to becoming the British number-one under-66kg player for nearly a decade is a testament to his unwavering determination. His remarkable accomplishments culminated in his qualification for the Olympics at London 2012, where he defeated an ex-world champion. However, his Olympic journey was not without its challenges, as he faced an early exit at Rio 2016. Nevertheless, Oates' resilience was rewarded when he was appointed as a Great Britain elite coach. This remarkable story unfolds as a true David and Goliath tale, where the underdog triumphs against all odds.

\n Weight: 516g\n
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781785318917\n \n