Telford's Gemma Howell is backed to challenge in judo return
British judo double-Olympic silver medallist Kate Howey is backing Telford's Gemma Howell to make a successful return to international competition this weekend.
Howell is one of three Shropshire players at the Rome European Open along with Telford's Kelly Edwards and Bayston Hill's Sarah Adlington.
Howell will be competing in the -63kg category, having recovered from several injuries.
And team coach Howey said: "All eyes will be on Gemma Howell. She was ranked in the top 16 in the world before her break (because of injuries) and has since dropped down into top thirties.
"With her recent gold success in the Great North Open, she is on good form.
"We have three players fighting at -63kg Faith Pitman, Sarah Clark and Gemma Howell who will all be pushing each other."
Kelly Edwards will compete at -52kg and Sarah Adlington at +78kg.
Meanwhile, Shrewsbury-born Danny Williams is in Scotland for the Glasgow European Open.
