Hickman eyeing a successful performance at London British Open

By Nick Atkin, Sportsbeat

RISING British judoka Emily Hickman is eyeing London British Open glory after receiving yet another £1,000 cash windfall from the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative.

DOMESTIC DUTIES: Emily Hickman is setting her sights on success at the London British Open next month

For the third straight year Hickman has been handpicked as one of 264 athletes across England and Wales to receive funding, plus expert tuition from the likes of Olympic silver medallist Leon Taylor.

Having taken silver at the senior GB Judo World Cup in 2008, the 21-year-old knows she has what it takes to medal at the London British Open in Crawley next month.

And, after bagging herself a boost to the bank balance, Hickman insists she is on the right path to fulfilling her dream of competing at the 2016 Olympics.

"If I can medal internationally then that puts me in the running for the British under-23 squad which I would like to make this time next year," said Hickman.

"I'm looking to go abroad to more international competitions, and if I can become the No.1 ranked Under-23 that puts me in a good position to be selected for the senior squad.

"I would like to think I can get to the Commonwealth Games in 2014. It would be a dream to go to the Olympics in Rio too, it's the top target.

"London 2012 has come a bit too soon for me. You need the experience in internationals.  It takes a little while to get there, but hopefully all the hard work will pay off."

And Hickman's rewards haven't stopped there with the up-and-coming judoka also being picked by Lloyds TSB to be one of their London 2012 Olympic Torchbearers.

Hickman will carry the flame as it passes through Hull on June 18 - and she can't wait.

"It's a privilege and it feels amazing to be chosen," she added. "It's great to have the things you do be recognised in such a way.

"I coach kids at a couple of schools and I'll be doing it for them. It will be great to go back with a picture of me carrying the Torch for them to see."

As the only National Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, Lloyds TSB is bringing the excitement of the Games and Olympic Flame closer to you. Find out what we're doing in your community and who is carrying the Flame at lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame

© Sportsbeat 2012