Quilter's delight as Paralympics place is confirmed

Judo ace Quilter combines training with studies for a masters in sport and exercise physiology.

He was one of 20 athletes selected for the Paralympics GB team last week.

As current European and world judo champion in the -60kg category, Quilter is likely to go into the Paralympic Games as the top seed and favourite to take gold.

These will not be the first Paralympics for Quilter (pictured) – he represented Team GB in Beijing in 2008 but finished fifth. As a senior member of the judo squad, he is determined to lead by example and win a medal at his home Games.

He said of his Team GB place: “This is great news, even if a little expected. It’s now official and I’m delighted to be a part of the team and can’t wait to get on the mat on August 30. I’ve been training hard all year and I don’t expect major changes to my programme now I’ve been selected. I’ll be focusing mainly on polishing off my techniques and making sure I am sharp on the day.

“My masters degree is drawing to a close and I have only my supervised portfolio left to hand in. Unfortunately this is due in by August when I may be a bit busy ... I may request an extension!

“I really can’t wait for the summer and have had outstanding support from the university and all the sport and exercise science staff over the years and I would like to thank them all.”