Daughter of Croydon Judo Dynasty triumphs!
Sixteen-year-old Lizzy Merredew has been crowned judo’s British Champion in the U52kg category following a gruelling tournament at the end of last year.
In some ways, her success is no surprise as Lizzy comes from a long line of talented ‘judokas’. Her granddad, grandma, mum, brother and twin sister have all participated in the sport for many years while judo king dad, Gareth, runs a popular judo club in New Addington for children and adults (where Lizzy is a member).
“Being a British judo champion is an amazing feeling,” she explains. “It’s the result of years of sweat, sacrifice, training and unwavering support from those around me. Judo isn’t just a sport to me, it’s a way of life that connects me to my family roots and pushes me to be the best version of myself, both on and off the mat.
“The thing I love about judo is how it balances physical strength with mental agility – you can be the strongest person in the room, but if you don’t have strategy and focus, you won’t necessarily succeed,” she continues. “It also teaches core values like respect, discipline, and humility that carry through to every aspect of everyday life.
“Having my parents and grandparents pave the way makes this journey extra special. They didn’t just teach me my first techniques, they passed on their passion for the sport and the sense of community that comes with it. Knowing I’m continuing our family’s connection to judo fills me with passion and pride.”
Crucially, Lizzy has also been supported in her martial arts ambitions by the Croydon arm of GLL’s Sport Foundation (GSF). GLL is the charitable social enterprise that runs leisure centres in the borough under the ‘Better’ brand in partnership with the local council.
The GSF is the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme, offering financial bursaries alongside free access to local ‘Better’ leisure facilities, as well as physiotherapy, and mental health and wellbeing support.
Past recipients include Tom Daley, Ellie Simmonds, Anthony Joshua and Daryll Neita. In 2024, GSF athletes amassed 77 medals at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
The window for this year’s applications closes on 20 February with a whopping £2 million of support across the UK up for grabs. Lizzy urges other local sportspeople to come forward and apply.
“The Foundation has been instrumental in my development,” she says. “It has provided access to top-class training facilities with their gym membership and connected me with a network of fellow athletes who understand the demands of elite sport. Without their support, the goals I have achieved may well have been beyond me.”
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry says, “I’m proud that Croydon Council is once again supporting GLL’s Sport Foundation this year.
“Following Team Croydon’s fantastic success at the 2025 Better Club Games and with the 2026 Commonwealth Games on the horizon, this promises to be an incredible year for sport in our borough.
“Lizzy’s story is really inspiring and I look forward to following her career as she reaches even greater heights.
“The Sport Foundation provides vital support to talented athletes like Lizzy, helping them achieve their full potential. If you’re eligible, I strongly encourage you to follow Lizzy’s example and apply – and know that Croydon will be cheering you on every step of the way.”
For more information on GLL’s Sport Foundation, visit - https://www.gllsportfoundation.org/