LACHLAN Moorhead is recovering from injuries which cost him a place at the Paris Olympics and is hoping to compete at the top level of judo this year.

The 24-year-old from Penistone has had operations on his hip and elbow.

He said: “I am recovering very well considering the surgeries I’ve had.

“I want to return to full training at the end of January then I’m targeting a competition at the end of March in Georgia as my first one back.

“It will just be nice to get back out there but my aim will be to qualify for the World Championships.

“I feel better now than when I was competing in the last 12 months and haven’t even returned.

“I’m very keen as well. When you have a break, it reignites the fire.

“Not that I didn’t have it before, but judo is very tiring and difficult.

“It’s been good to get some perspective. I have loads of motivation and I am in a better place in my body and mind.”

Lachlan missed out on the last Olympics as he lost in the second round of the World Championships while injured. But he is determined to get to the next games in Los Angeles in 2028.

“It’s such a shame I didn’t get to Paris.

“I should have been there.

“I feel I have got something to prove.

“I would like to get into the top seven in the world. It is quite realistic and a good goal.

“I want to be world or Olympic medalist in this four-year cycle.

“The main goal is to win a medal in LA when I should be in my prime.”

Lachlan has completed a business degree at Birmingham University and is now training full-time, three times a day.

“I obviously don’t get the money I would for a full-time job. It’s tough.

“If I can’t find sponsorship, I will have to get a part-time job but that’s difficult because I am away so much at tournaments. I will have to figure it out.”