Welcome to our brand-new blog where every month we will be shining the spotlight on one of the amazing young athletes who are part of Live Active’s Emerging Athlete Programme. 

We kickstart with Gregor Miller, a formidable athlete hailing from Bridge of Earn who has been making waves in the world of Judo. Last year he achieved a remarkable top 5 finish at the u21 European Cup and this year he has set his sights even higher with an aim to take on Europe’s best in the Senior European Cups and European University Games.

We caught up with Gregor for a chat about his successes so far, his goals for the future and a fascinating insight into what it takes to become a top flight athlete.  

What inspired you to take up judo?

From a young age my parents encouraged me to take part in a wide range of sports such as swimming, football, basketball, rugby and gymnastics. However, it wasn’t until I was 6 years old when Tayside Judo Club did a taster session at Dunbarney Primary School that I fell in love with the sport and I joined my local judo club. I started attending judo sessions on a Thursday night at Moncrieffe Church Hall run by Tayside Judo Club.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the world of sport and why?

Tyson Fury. I find Tyson inspirational because he found a way back to the highest level of competitive boxing despite finding himself in a very poor place physically and mentally. I think this shows sheer ambition and determination.  

What are some of the challenges you face whilst doing judo, and how do you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I find in sport is picking myself back up after a poor performance in training or competition. One of the strategies I have for overcoming this is analysing my performance, looking for the things that went well in my performance as well as the negatives and the things that went wrong. This allows me to build on the things that went well and learn from my mistakes.

What is your training regimen like, and how do you balance it with other commitments?

I currently train 5 days a week with competitions and training camps often on the weekends. I complete two randori (sparring) sessions, two technical sessions, three Strength and Conditioning sessions and one Brazilian Jiu jitsu session a week. This sometimes clashes with other commitments I have such as University and Church. Abertay University are very accommodating and allow me to change my timetable around my training and defer exams to a later date if they clash with competitions.    

What are some of the most important skills you need to excel at judo?

Like most sports you have to be physically fast and strong. However, in judo you also have to be mentally strong and resilient as in my opinion it’s one of the toughest sports around.  

What is your favourite moment or memory while doing judo?

My favourite memory whist competing was last year at the British u21 European Cup. It was the first time my parents had managed to attend a European Cup competition and it was also my best result at that level with a top 5 finish.

What are some of the biggest competitions or tournaments in Judo in 2024, and what are your goals for participating in them?  

In 2024 my goal is to gain experience at Senior European Cups with aim of qualifying for the u23 European Championships. I would also like to medal at the European University Games which take place in Hungary this July.  

How do you handle setbacks or challenges in your athletic endeavours?

One of the ways I handle setbacks such as injury is by reminding myself that injury is only temporary and that I am still relatively young which will allow me to bounce back and catch back up with my competition. One of the older members of my judo club said to me when I was younger and injured with a broken leg; “If you burn yourself while pouring yourself a cup of coffee you don’t stop drinking coffee for the rest of your life. You just get frustrated for a moment, forget about it and pour yourself another cup”. The same principle should be applied to setbacks in sport and in life. 

How do you stay motivated and focused during training and competitions?

Like most athletes, I do sometimes question why I am pushing myself to train when I am sore and tired. I guess what motivates me is the fact I know that every training session is making me slightly better and bringing me one step closer to my goals.  

Are there any rituals or routines your follow before competitions to get you in the right mindset?

Before competition I like to use a strategy called self-talk, I use this to reinforce the fundamentals in my head and anything I have been working on in training. I also like to pray before competition requesting that God would help me to use the gifts He has given me to their full potential and that I would compete in a way that would bring glory to Him.

What strategies do you use to stay mentally and physically sharp?   

I would say physical and mental sharpness have a high correlation, meaning if I keep myself physically sharp by doing my strength and conditioning and judo training, I am more likely to feel mentally sharp and confident in my ability.  

What advice would you give to younger athletes who are just starting out in judo?

My advice to younger athletes would be to try as many different sports as possible when you are still young. Then when you are a wee bit older choose a sport you enjoy to specialise in and take every opportunity that comes with it.  

What is your biggest accomplishment as an athlete so far?

My greatest accomplishment so far in judo is being part of the Great Britian Judo Squad and representing my country abroad in international competition.  

What is your favourite sports quote?

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” Tim Notke.

How has Live Active’s Emerging Athlete Programme helped you to develop as an athlete?

It’s been a huge help to me as a developing athlete. The EAP has allowed me to access strength and conditioning with one of Scotland’s best S&C coaches. This has allowed me to become faster and stronger on the mat as well as reducing my chance of injury. This often gives me the competitive edge over my opponents giving me a greater chance of winning the fight. The EAP also gives me access to performance lifestyle workshops which have helped me to achieve the right type of mindset for sports performance and goal setting.

And finally, if people want to follow your journey where can they find you on social media?  

I’m most active on my Instagram account: @gmill_2003

Photo credit: Fergus Pirie Photography