A FORMER Launceston College student is celebrating this week after her success at the 2024 Commonwealth Judo Championships.  

Gemma Mill, who grew up in Launceston, is celebrating her success in winning a silver medal in the under 78kg category while competing for England at the 2024 Commonwealth Judo Championships held in Malta. 

Currently Gemma is studying at Solent University, Southampton, for an MSc in Cyber Security Engineering, however, Alongside her studies, Gemma is a rising Judo star; in September 2023 she became one of 20 young athletes to become sport scholars at Solent, receiving tailored support when it came  to balancing sport and study. 

As a sport scholar, Gemma has access to a package of support; from strength and conditioning to nutrition and physiotherapy. To help her compete in Malta, the University also provided funding to support Gemma's journey to the championships. 

At the start of an exciting career, Gemma's latest success follows a trip to Montreal in November 2023, where she competed in the PanAmerican Judo Continental Cup. Receiving expert support from Solent's dedicated Department of Sport and Health to help her make a name for herself in Europe and further afield. 

Gemma's ultimate aim is to compete for Great Britain.