Local boy Ashley McKenzie, 22, from Dowland Street on the Mozart Estate is hoping to achieve medal success on home soil at the Olympic Games in a few months from now.
Ashley became involved in Judo at the age of 11 following a scrap with some friends over a game of Pokemon. He quickly rose to claim UK junior number one ranking for his weight category, won bronze at the European Junior Championships and earned senior British Open gold for the last three years in a row.
Known for his personality both on and off the mat, he brings a refreshing character to the sport of Judo and starred in the BBC Olympic Dreams documentary. His ambition of Olympic success is fuelled by his rough upbringing and constant battle with severe ADHD.
Despite these struggles it is Ashley’s raw talent which ensures he remains recognised as one of Team GB’s leading hopes for medal success in 2012.
Ashley is one of several local lads to train at the Moberly Sports Club on Kilburn Lane, and is not the only one to show considerable promise. Dominick Mathurin is another for whom judo has proved to be a perfect release for his energy – he shows great hope and aims to compete at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. Dominick and all the boys from the Mozart Estate who know Ashley are united in their support for him. We applaud Ashley’s courage in the face of adversity and could not wish for a better ambassador for Queen’s Park and the young people of the Mozart Estate in particular. Good luck Ashley!
Below is a YouTube ad for Cadbury’s featuring Ashley and other leading lights in Team GB!
