KATE Walker put in a creditable performance at the European Cadet Championships in Austria.

Of 42 countries, 39 were represented at the Salzberg event by their national champions.

Walker, 15, who trains at Kidderminster's Samurai Judo Club, was the first Worcestershire player to represent Great Britain at the event.

It is the most prestigious judo competition for players aged under 16.

Walker is the current British cadet champion and schools holder among a host of titles.

The county's youngest black belt, she started judo at the age of eight and won her first British national medal three years later.

Her younger brother Tom is also a top player, having won the British Junior National Championships, as well as being British kata champion.

Competing in the under 63 kg category, Walker's first problem came when she conceded two early scores to the Bosnian champion two rounds before the quarter-finals.

But she came back superbly to score four times and win to earn a match with the Italian champion.

Although her opponent had looked strong, Walker dominated the contest and gained an early score.

But she allowed the Italian to equalise through a counter-attack which took the contest into extra-time and the golden score.

The Italian was rapidly tiring but put in a desperation attack which just barely registered a score.

It unfortunately cost Walker, who lives near Bewdley, the contest and eliminated her from the competition.

But the British squad coach strongly praised her progress during the last year.