For Bracknell Nostalgia this week, we are going back to the early 90s to remind ourselves of when a former journalist at the BN partook at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Nicola Fairbrother, who was 22-years-old at that year’s game, left Barcelona with a medal in her luggage as she won silver in the Judo lightweight category.

She had defeated competitors from Austria and France respectively to reach the final, before falling to Nicole Flagothier of Belgium.

Despite falling short at that year’s summer games, Fairbrother went one better 12 months later in 1993, as she clinched the World lightweight Judo category in Hamilton, Canada.

Chiyori Tateno is defeated by the former Bracknell News journalist, Nicola Fairbrother

Chiyori Tateno is defeated by the former Bracknell News journalist, Nicola Fairbrother

Now 23-year-olds at the time of her triumph, Nicola, who is originally from Sandhurst, defeated Chiyori Tateno of Japan in the showdown, in what was redemption for the journalist, as she missed out on gold in ’92 due to a controversial refereeing decision.

Speaking on her victory as a world champion 29 years ago, Nicola, who would later work as an editor for a judo magazine, said: “This is a lifelong ambition fulfilled.

“Ever since I was 15, I have dreamt of winning the world title.

“Now my dream has come true.

“I was very nervous prior to the championships as I had been made favourite to win, but it all came right and the hard slog prior to travelling to Canada was well worthwhile.

“I am delighted.”

Her coach, Dom Werner, who passed away at the start of 2014, said of the victory: “I’ve never seen anything like it.

“The crowd seemed to call for the score, and when it wasn’t given, their were loud boos and catcalls.”

The final proved to be an extremely nerve-racking affair, but Nicola started the bout in impressive style, throwing Tateno in the opening for Wazari, which basically represents a near clear on win.

Nicola Fairbrother was at the Championships in 1993

Nicola Fairbrother was at the Championships in 1993

All Nicola had to do from that point on was maintain her composure and hang on to her lead.

She did manage to throw Tateno again, but the referee failed to score the point which would have ended the fight earlier, and would have secured the journalist the win.

This caused a negative reaction from the crowed.

However, Nicola get her composure and ended up being victorious in North America.