Bobby Girdwood’s Long Road to the Lausanne Tatami

Robert ‘Bobby’ Girdwood has travelled from Perth, Australia, to Lausanne, Switzerland, for international Judo competition. For Bobby and his father Grant, the near-24-hour journey across roughly 13,910 kilometres is only one part of a much bigger story.

Bobby began Judo at the age of seven after experiencing bullying at school. What started as support for a young boy became a central part of his life, taking him from local training to the challenge of competing abroad.

Grant describes Bobby as someone who cares strongly about others, particularly people with disabilities. Bobby is passionate about disability rights and inclusive sport, while also bringing humour and a positive energy to the people around him.

Their connection is built around far more than the usual father-and-son role. Grant calls Bobby his best mate, and the pair spend significant time together beyond Judo, including travelling and riding e-scooters. Grant has worked to give his son the strongest possible opportunity to compete at the highest level available to him.

The distance to Lausanne is significant, but Bobby’s commitment reaches much further.

That commitment shows in an intense weekly training routine. Bobby dedicates between three and five hours to Judo, adds up to seven hours of jiu-jitsu and completes three hours of personal training, alongside daily fitness work.

He took up jiu-jitsu just a year ago with a clear purpose: to strengthen his ne-waza. The workload reflects competitive ambition, but Bobby’s motivation is not limited to his own performances. He also wants to help develop Adapted Judo in Australia and internationally.

Finding regular Adapted Judo contests in Australia is not easy. To prepare for the level of European opposition, Bobby regularly enters mainstream events at home. It is a demanding route, but one that has already brought success.

For Bobby and Grant, Lausanne represents another important step in a journey shaped by resilience, family support and a determination to make inclusive sport grow.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union