​Gemma Howell has had five separate knee operations throughout her career yet she still managed to become an Olympian at London 2012 – where she lost in the first round to France’s Gévrise Émane in the under-63kg category.

Born in Stafford, and a member at Wolverhampton Judo Club, ​Gemma is a world and European junior bronze medallist.

As a senior, her best result is a seventh place finish at the 2010 World Championships.