HER schoolwork has clearly not suffered as she strives to reach the top in her chosen sport.

Rae Anderson celebrated securing five As in her Higher examinations - to go with her high level of achievement in judo.

The determined 17-year-old from Walkerburn has managed to squeeze in important study time around her hectic training schedule for the Japanese martial art.

The dedication she has shown to judo has seen her climb up the rankings in a short time and represent Great Britain on an international stage.

“I don’t know how I’ve managed it all as I am often away for judo three times a week and I’ve been abroad a lot to Belgium and other places,” said the pupil in S5 at Peebles High School.

“It’s been tough and I’ve had to use all my free periods at school for studying. It means I haven’t had much time to do anything else. But all the teachers have been a great help to me.” Rae gained top marks in English, Spanish, mathematics, history and modern studies, strengthening her chances of making a career in law - but she is not planning to quit judo just yet.

“It’s going well at judo and I hope I can still achieve more,” she said. “But I’m still some way off being able to go to an Olympic Games.

“The next Commonwealth Games in 2018 is also out as Australia aren’t doing judo, so if anything I am looking towards the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

“I am not sure, though, whether I will be still doing judo then as there is more money in law.

“I am not sure yet that I want to do law but if I could go to Edinburgh University that would be great as I do a lot of my judo training in the city.”