Tilbury-based judo ace Craig Fallon flys out to Cyprus tomorrow for a week of intensive training in preparation for Athens' Olympic Games.

The Great Britain athlete wants to be the first man to win a medal in one of the toughest sports at the competition.

Brilliant performances and medal wins at the world and European championships have flagged up the 21-year-old's mastery of the age-old throwing art.

And Fallon could possibly join the small band of British Olympic medal owners.

Udo Quellmalz, British Judo performance director and team leader for Athens 2004, said: "The past performances of every team member shows their potential to achieve a good result at the Games."

Fallon - who is already Commonwealth judo champion - is the hottest talent in British judo.

Earlier this year he won gold in the under 60kg division at the top-ranked Paris A Tournament - acknowledged to be one of the world's toughest tests in the sport which is derived from the fighting techniques used by Samurai.

Last year Craig snatched silver at the European championships as well as taking the silver medal at the worlds in September.

Craig trains at the Tilbury Judo Centre which has also been the training epicentre to British Judo Team talent including Peter Lomax and Mathew Clempner.

Fallon's Olympic trip could represent Britain's best chance at a medal.

His ability to raise his game in advance of big tournaments and his boosted self-belief should stand him in good stead for the Olympic competition which starts on the Greek mainland in a week's time.

Fallon said; "Having a reputation for winning does help your performance, the opposition has a bit of fear, they hold back trying not to get caught and they lose concentration."

Published Friday August 6, 2004

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