I represented England at the Para Youth Games and won gold in Turkey
Blackpool teenager Jake Pasquill is fast becoming one of Britain’s brightest para-judo prospects, after striking gold in Turkey last year and representing Great Britain at the Visual Impaired German Open.
At just 16 years old, Jake Pasquill is already making his mark on the international judo scene and doing it with characteristic humility.
The Blackpool-based athlete, who is visually impaired, fights under VI (visually impaired) rules and has been part of the GB Para Judo potential pathway for the past two years.
The programme identifies and develops the country’s most promising young Paralympic hopefuls, giving them opportunities to train and compete at the highest level.
Last August, Jake travelled to Turkey to compete at the European Para Youth Games - the highest level of competition available to athletes his age. He returned home with gold.
Head coach at Keidokwai Blackpool, Dan Hankinson said: “Jake’s visually impaired, and he’s been on the GB Para Judo potential pathway for a couple of years now.
“That means, even as a young athlete, he’s given opportunities to train with the GB team and compete in international competitions.
“Last year, he went to the European Para Youth Games in Turkey and came home with gold -practically the youth Paralympics for visually impaired athletes.”
Jake, who has been practicing judo since around the age of seven, began his sporting journey in gymnastics - something his coach believes has given him an edge.
Dan Hankinson, said: “He’s only 16 now, and he’s been doing judo since he was around seven. He actually started in gymnastics, which probably gave him an edge because he’s very flexible.
“Just last weekend, he competed in Germany at the VI German Open and won gold there as well - we joke he’s a bit of a medal machine.
“Jake has also won the Active Blackpool Quayle Trophy Award and has been Highly Commended for contribution to disability sport as well.”
“He trains four or five days a week, travelling all over the UK and training at the GB centre to get the best preparation.
“He’s also an incredibly humble kid. There’s no ego - when his dad asks if he’s won a new medal, he just says, ‘Yeah, it’s in my bag.’ He’s quiet, deferential, and a real credit to the sport.”
Despite his growing medal haul, Jake remains grounded.
Training out of Keidokwai Blackpool and also Bacup Judo Club, Jake is proving that dedication, talent and quiet determination can take you all the way to the top.