Starting judo in Cornwall in 1980, aged 8, at Carn Brea Judo Club, there was only ever one contender for superstar hero-worship. I first met Neil Adams MBE when we randori-ed in 1983 (I think) during a demonstration at Carn Brea Leisure Centre on his first trip to Cornwall. It is an experience he won’t remember and I will never forget.

So it was a tremendous privilege not just to meet him, but to interview Neil at the 2012 Easter Course. He graciously gave up his lunch break to talk to me and didn’t show even a hint of impatience when I realised I had missed a question having already packed the camera away and had to set it back up.

Interview with former judo world champion, Neil Adams MBE, at the 49th annual St Ives Judo Club Easter Course from Bryn Reade on Vimeo.