A teenager from Felixstowe has said that "2025 is when the magic will happen" as he makes his comeback in judo after recovering from broken ribs.

Dom Cremer, from Felixstowe, has been playing the sport since he was eight, with his trajectory in the sport curtailing in 2020 due to Covid. After this, he went unbeaten for a year and a half.

The 16-year-old broke his ribs in the British Schools Judo Championships held in Sheffield in March 2024, with more than 4,000 spectators seeing him having to pull out of the second round due to the injury.

But the setback has made him even more determined to make a name for himself in the sport.

Ben Caldwell, Dom Cremer and four time Olympian Ashley McKenzieBen Caldwell, Dom Cremer and four time Olympian Ashley McKenzie (Image: Dom Cremer)

The Suffolk New College student said: "I love Judo as it has helped me mature. I’ve looked into the history of the sport and I’m pushing to become one of the best.

"My main aim is to make the England development squad and then I won’t rest until I make it to the Olympics. LA in 2028 is too soon for me - you hit your peak in your mid 20s.

"So, it might be in Brisbane 2032 or at the Games in 2036. Either way, I won’t stop until I achieve my dream."

So far, Dom has worked with some of the sports' top athletes, including Ashley McKenzie, a four-time Olympian and Commonwealth gold medallist.

Dom Cremer in competition after his injuryDom Cremer in competition after his injury (Image: Dom Cremer)

He added: "I had the honour to work with him and other top stars at Camberley Judo Club.

"It was a good experience. The advice I got was that Judo is a game of mental strength. If you lose, don’t look back, don’t get stressed, move on and live in the present or the future.

"I'm pushing hard for the England development squad and I've got my eye on some big tournaments.

"I know for a fact that 2025 is where the magic is going to happen."