British Amy Livesey announces retirement

After 23 years in judo, Amy Livesey has announced her retirement from the sport. Livesey: “It wasn’t easy making this decision, but I know it is the right one for me.”

Livesey, who last competed at the Budapest World Championships in 2021, picked up her first international medal at the Glasgow European Open in 2014. In 2015 she was crowned European U23 champion and later went on to represent GB Judo at 3 senior World Championships, placing 7th in 2017, and two senior European Championships.

Making her IJF World Tour debut in 2016, Livesey won bronze at the Budapest Grand Prix in only her 2ndevent – her debut being the Paris Grand Slam! She went on to win a further two silver medals and three bronze medals on the Grand Prix stage whilst collecting three Grand Slam bronze medals, the last coming in Tashkent in 2021.

“I have been lucky enough to travel the world, meet some amazing people and grab some medals along the way. Oh, and qualify for the Olympics!”

Livesey was one of four GB judoka that were vying for Team GB selection for the Tokyo Games in the U63kg category. Livesey qualified in the automatic qualification places but unfortunately was ranked behind British Judo teammate, Lucy Renshall, who gained the sole U63kg place by virtue of being the higher-ranked athlete.

Amy's (29) success has also been shared with her siblings. Her sister Bekky (27) is a fellow judoka, while her older brother Owen (31) is former judoka and now into MMA. Bekky and Amy have competed at the 2017 World Championships. Amy competed the longest time at the highest level.

Livesey has been studying to become a nurse and will continue her studies following her retirement.

Former GB Judo Head Coach and now National Training Centre Coach, Kate Howey MBE said: “Amy and I have had some great memories together and I am extremely proud of what she has achieved in her career. I wish her all the best in her next chapter.”