One of Europe’s rising young judo stars is heading to next month’s Commonwealth Games with ‘life-changing’ advice from a University of Derby Buxton lecturer still ringing in his ears.
Christos Trikomitis, who challenges for the title of European Champion in July, says that guidance from the university’s Strength and Conditioning lecturer Minas Mina boosted his competitiveness to world-class level.
“It’s life-changing,” said Christos, aged 17 from Cyprus.
“If it wasn’t for Minas, I’m sure I wouldn’t have qualified for the Commonwealth Games, because the scientific support I received was such a major change in my judo.”
The support that Minas provided to Christos included bio-mechanical analyses, strength and conditioning programmes and nutrition.
“If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Christos.
He is now aiming to seal top spot in the European Championship in Athens, before he heads to Glasgow for this year’s Commonwealth Games, which run from July 23 to August 3.