Kate Walker in action at the 2009 Judo Grand Slam in Tokyo

Worcestershire judo star Kate Walker says she is aiming to reach number one in her category at the Great Britain trials in Sheffield this weekend.

The 20-year-old, who competes in the -63kg category and trains at studies at the University of Bath will be battling for top spot with Faith Pitman.

"It would be a great start to 2010," Walker told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"I'd be so pleased, but if I don't get it I still have to work hard at the upcoming competitions."

The pharmacy student admits the past year - her first as a senior - has been one of the busiest yet.

I've always set myself the goal that I want to go to the Olympics Kate Walker

"Last year was important for me to gain experience at senior level and develop my skills. It's been a huge learning curve."

And there will be no rest in 2010 as she continues to balance her studies and training.

Walker has already been selected to go to the Bulgaria World Cup at the end of this month and hopes to be chosen to compete for Great Britain at other senior tournaments.

"I really want to go to the senior Europeans and the senior World Championships this year."

Walker admits she sets herself high standards in sport and at university, but she is adamant she will achieve her dream of competing at the London Olympics in 2012.

"I'm just about managing to keep up with everything but you have to have something outside your sport and doing education outside of my sport is really important," she added.

"There's always pressure, you put pressure on yourself because you know what you can do and I've always set myself the goal that I want to go to the Olympics."

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