A promising teenager who feared he may never compete again after two years out with a serious back injury has regained his place in the Great British squad.

Ben Perkins returned to the mat in style this year, culminating in gold in the British championships in Sheffield earlier this month.

The 18-year-old won the same tournament previously, before fracturing a vertebrae while training with the British squad, which he is due to renew his acquaintance with next month.

Perkins joined Iruka Judokwai (Dolphin Judo School – which train at Watford Fields Junior School in Elfrida Road, Watford – in 2001 and quickly progressed through the junior grades to reach brown belt by the age of 16. He won a number of competitions before he was sidelined through injury, but the former Bushey Hall School pupil now has ambitions of making the 2012 Olympics.

After having a pin inserted in his back and intensive physiotherapy, Perkins has exceeded expectations winning three competitions and gaining a medal in others since his return.

Perkins, of Cannon Road, Watford Fields, said: “My doctor said if I did not have the operation I won’t be able to do judo again. I started again in March and won gold in my first competition and that gave me motivation.”

He is working temporarily for Chorleywood playground construction company Leisure Logs and aims to join the army later this year. He added: “I am hoping for the Olympics. I would love to do that. I suppose everyone would, but I am getting a bit closer.”

For information about the club ring 01923-460022, 07970 773801 or email Carol on: cawalker@ntlworld.com.