Sam Sampson

At maybe 6 or 7, I sat across the table from Kostantinos, Cypriot National Team member and all-around badass. He and my father spoke in depth about his upcoming training cycle and the competitions that lay ahead. I’m sure it was fascinating stuff, but I could only focus on the cauliflowers ears protruding from his head. I was equally intrigued and disgusted but for some reason I also knew that one day I wanted that to be me. 

I may not have the cauliflower ears, but I do now proudly bear the IOC stamp “CYP” on my back each time I wear a judogi. I’m fortunate enough to live my dream of representing Cyprus at the highest level in Judo, however, to truly make 6-year-old Sam proud, there is more to be done.

There is very limited funding available in Judo. In addition, prize money is extremely rare. Therefore, in order to continue competing on the European Tour and beyond, I am in need of sponsorship. Sponsorship would allow me to continue to compete at the highest level in my sport, vying for medals and world ranking points against the best of the best. In addition to competition, sponsorship would help me to attend Olympic training camps where I would spend week long periods sparring against high level opposition.