
IRISH OLYMPIC JUDO hopeful Ben Fletcher is set for surgery after breaking his leg during a tournament in Israel.
Fletcher — who is currently ranked 17th in men’s -100kg division and just outside the Tokyo qualification places — suffered the injury at the IJF Tel Aviv Grand Slam on Saturday.
The 28-year-old was transferred to Cromwell Hospital in London ahead of his planned surgery later this week.
“Yesterday in Israel I broke my leg,” Fletcher posted to Instagram on Sunday.
“However I am very happy to say that I have made it back and am back in hospital awaiting surgery.
“I have to say I am stunned by the efforts people have made to help me along with all of the messages I have received, to the point where I feel quite emotional about it. I feel so incredibly lucky and fortunate to have the support networks that I have and although breaking your leg is far from ideal, the response from people has been truly humbling!
of the team
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Fletcher, whose mother Alice-Mary hails from Bruff in County Limerick, represented Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics in Rio before transferring allegiance to Ireland.
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