A WORCESTER schoolboy won a silver medal representing England for the first time at the Commonwealth Judo Championships.

Loïc Keasey, 14, competed at the University of Wolverhampton in the over 73kg category which included champions from Cyprus and India.

The Royal Grammar School Worcester pupil was the lightest competitor by far at 75kg with two opponents weighing in at more than 100kg.

But Keasey used his technical skills, mental fortitude and single mindedness to his advantage.

He fought valiantly in physically demanding circumstances throughout, eventually losing in the final to a Cypriot player who weighed 105kg.

Keasey’s father Paul said: “The entire journey of representing his country, training for the event and producing high-level performances on the day of the tournament are memories that I am sure will stand Loïc in good stead in the future.”

More than 1,000 competed during the five-day event with teams attending from as far as New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

RGS Worcester headteacher John Pitt said: “It is fantastic that Loïc was able to represent England in judo and to achieve a silver medal is a superb achievement.

“Loïc is a real all-rounder and it is excellent that his ability in judo is being recognised at this level.”

Keasey is a member of the RGS elite athlete development programme and has also impressed in rugby union within the Worcester Warriors development players’ pathway.