Sophie Johnstone won a bronze medal in a stunning debut at the British Judo Open in Birmingham.
The 16-year-old King's Manor pupil from Southwick entered the prestigious senior event "just for a bit of experience".
But the Lewes Bridgeview club member was the only home player to land a medal in the under-48kilo category in an event which included players from America, Australia and Europe.
The national youth title holder said: "I am chuffed. I really didn't expect anything. I beat a French and New Zealand girl and was knocked out by the eventual winner who was from France."
She revealed a two-and-a-half week trip to Japan with the national junior squad, funded by the British Judo Association, gave her a boost.
Sophie said: "It was an amazing experience and I certainly learned things that helped me in Birmingham. If you watch the Japanese go through what they can do you cannot help but learn."
Meanwhile, Ben Quilter, 19, a Brighton club member who also trains at Joff (Peacehaven), won gold and bronze medals in the visually-impaired competition.
Quilter claimed the under-160kilo category crown and was third in the combined weights (under-60, under-66 and under-73kilo) event. The former Longhill and Varndean pupil, who works as a fitness trainer at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, said: "It was the biggest thing I've ever won."
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