From junior champion to Commonwealth Games medallist

For Charlie Ayre, judo has been a lifelong passion. Now 20 years old and heading into his second year at the University of Birmingham, Charlie’s journey in the sport began at the age of seven. Two years later, he won the 2015 British Championships for Minors in Walsall - a particularly special achievement, as his father, Paul Ayre, had also tasted success at the very same championship.

Since then, his love for the sport has taken him from competing as a junior to representing his country at senior competitions and major championships. In 2025, he won gold at the Birmingham Junior Cup and the following year he represented Great Britain at the 2026 European Judo Championships.

Finding the right balance

Originally from Middlesbrough, Charlie’s decision to come to Birmingham was influenced by both the support available through the EDCAP scholarship scheme and the University of Birmingham’s reputation as a well-renowned Russell Group University. The location was another major appeal. Based at the British Judo Centre of Excellence in Walsall, Charlie can keep his commute short while training full-time alongside his studies.

Balancing life as a student with elite sport is no easy feat. Being ‘as structured as possible’ with his schedule and prepping ahead of every semester are key, Charlie told us. But this remains a work-in-progress:

‘There’s been times where I could’ve been more prepared, however it’s been a bit of trial and error to find which processes work best for me and I believe I’m in a good position to complete the rest of my studies’.

From Japan to the Commonwealth Games

Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Charlie was able to train for two weeks in Japan with some of the best judo athletes in the world. His journey then took him to a holding camp in Kendal before finally travelling to Glasgow.

As the youngest member of the England team selected for the Games, competing was an exceptional experience for Charlie:

‘Going to the Commonwealth Games was a brilliant experience, and to be able to have family and friends there who hadn’t seen me compete in person before made it a very special competition for me’.

While winning gold was always the ambition, Charlie was delighted to come away with a bronze medal and experience his first major Games, which he hopes will put him in good stead for an Olympic appearance in two years’ time.

Life beyond the mat

Away from competition and the demands of training full-time, Charlie emphasises the importance on finding time to switch off. A keen music fan, he has built up a vinyl collection which he is always looking to add to, while his love of Middlesbrough FC means he also tries to get to as many matches as possible.

For Charlie, having interests away from judo is an important part of maintaining his wellbeing and managing the demands of elite sport:

‘While I do love judo, I’ve found being able to get away from the intensity that comes with training full time is extremely important in terms of managing my mental load’.

Making the most of the support available

His advice to other student athletes is ‘to utilise every bit of support you can get’. While hard work and commitment is a big driver of success, he told us,

‘…being able to recognise that you will need help, especially whilst balancing sport and studies, will only make this success more sustainable in the long run’.