No worries for Giles as she wins GB’s first medal

HAKUNA MATATA. That phrase made famous by The Lion King is what Chelsie Giles lives her life by. It means no worries and, thanks to her bronze medal, Team GB could finally relax yesterday, too. This second day of action at Tokyo 2020 had certainly not gone to plan for Great Britain, with the dethroning of Jade Jones and the withdrawal of Andy Murray. But as much as champions can crash and burn at an Olympics, they also offer a chance for unheralded athletes to make a name for themselves.

And so it was that the littleknown Giles sprung a surprise by landing Britain’s first gong of these Games. Even the number crunchers at Team GB towers would not have had the 24-yearold judoka down to do that. ‘I am shocked,’ admitted the world No 10, who held her head in her hands in disbelief after defeating Fabienne Kocher by ippon in her bronze medal match. ‘Wearing this bronze medal around my neck is a very, very proud moment. I’m very happy to bring home the first medal for Great Britain. ‘Hakuna matata describes how I want to go through life. It inspires me in my life and sport.’ Giles first tried out the Japanese martial art after watching her younger brother Josh — a GB judo athlete and in Tokyo as her training partner — fight at Coventry Judo Club and being encouraged to join in. How she must be glad she accepted that invitation. ‘My brother and I used to spar when we were little,’ said Giles. ‘It was very competitive and made us both better. It’s special to have him here. I hope I’ve made my family proud.’ Competing at the Nippon Budokan, judo’s spiritual home, Giles lost to home favourite and eventual gold medallist Uta Abe in the quarter-finals. But she was offered a second route to the podium via the repechage and took full advantage, beating Belgian Charline Van Snick on golden score before seeing off Swiss judoka Kocher. ‘It makes it extra special to win this in Japan, where judo began,’ added Giles. ‘Is this the pinnacle? We will see. Maybe it’s the beginning.’