After a standout year in his judo career in 2024, Gregor Miller reflects on his biggest achievements, including becoming Scottish Champion and competing on the international stage. As he sets his sights on 2025, he shares his goals, both on and off the mat – including his new coaching role, and his lifelong ambition to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Reflecting on 2024, what were your most significant accomplishments in judo?

2024 was a great year in my judo career. My most notable achievements include becoming Scottish Champion, climbing to No. 2 in the British Senior Ranking List, and representing Abertay University and Great Britain at the European University Games in Hungary, where I secured a top 7 finish. Additionally, I was honoured as Sports Person of the Year at my university and had the incredible opportunity to compete in two Senior European Cups, representing Great Britain.

You aimed to compete in Senior European Cups and the European University Games last year. Were you able to participate, and how did you do?

Yes, I was fortunate to compete in both the European University Games and Senior European Cups in Latvia and Spain. Competing at the European University Games was one of the most exciting experiences of my sporting career - it was a multi-sport event with a big opening ceremony and thousands of athletes from across Europe. I finished in the top 7 individually and had a good performance in the team competition, winning all my fights.

Have there been any changes or additions to your training regimen since we last spoke that have contributed to your performance?

While my overall training schedule remains consistent - training 5 - 6 days a week with frequent competitions and training camps - I have made one key adjustment. I've increased my Strength & Conditioning sessions from three to four or five per week. This has played a crucial role in improving my power, speed, and overall athleticism, helping me stay at my best performance levels.

Have you faced any setbacks or challenges in the last year that you’ve had to overcome?

Thankfully, I remained injury-free throughout most of the 2024 competition season, which allowed me to build momentum and consistency. However, I did sustain an ankle injury just before Christmas, which was a minor setback heading into 2025. I took a few weeks recovery, allowing my body to rest and reset both physically and mentally. This decision paid off, as I made a strong return, winning gold at the Scottish Student Sport Championships and English Open, finishing 5th at the Grand Prix Nationale de Veneto in Italy, and completing an intensive four-day U23 GB Olympic Potential Training Camp.

You recently joined the strength and conditioning team who coach local athletes in the Emerging Athlete Programme and Sub-EAP Programme. How are you finding your new role?

Coaching in the Sub-EAP Programme has been incredibly rewarding and nostalgic for me, as I’ve come full circle - from being a 12-year-old athlete in the Emerging Athlete Programme (EAP) to now coaching the next generation. This program played a massive role in my judo success, and it’s a privilege to give back by coaching Perthshire’s young athletes. Seeing their dedication, progress, and success stories is truly inspiring, and I’m excited to help them develop their strength, speed, and resilience.

What are your primary goals and aspirations for 2025, both in judo and personal development?

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for me. My top three goals are:

1. Graduate from Abertay University with a First-Class Degree.
2. Secure and begin a full-time career that aligns with my long-term aspirations.
3. Qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - a lifelong dream of mine.

Balancing academic, professional, and athletic commitments will be challenging, but I’m fully committed to achieving success in all areas.

How has your involvement with Live Active’s Emerging Athlete Programme continued to support your growth as an athlete?

Live Active’s Emerging Athlete Programme continues to be an invaluable resource for my development. Their state-of-the-art gym facilities at Dewars allow me to complete my Strength & Conditioning training effectively, while access to the health suite has been crucial for recovery and injury prevention. Additionally, the flexibility they provide in my coaching role has enabled me to fully commit to training camps and competitions, which has been instrumental in my progress.

Are there any upcoming competitions or events you're particularly excited about in 2025, and what are your goals for competing in them?

I’m currently awaiting the official qualification criteria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which should be released in the coming weeks. This will shape my competition schedule for 2025/26. Based on previous qualification standards, it’s likely that I’ll need top 7 finishes at European Cups, so my primary focus will be achieving those results.

In the meantime, I’ll continue competing at international tournaments, refining my skills, and pushing myself to reach my full potential on the road to Glasgow 2026.