Ballymena’s ‘Viking Twins’ make their mark across combat sports

Nine-year-old brothers Hunter and Crixus Crawford from Broughshane have become Northern Ireland champions in judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Known as Ballymena’s ‘Viking Twins’, the brothers have also been selected for a Northern Ireland judo development pathway and remain unbeaten in MMA.

Two nine-year-old brothers from Broughshane are making their mark in the world of combat sports after winning major titles in judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Hunter and Crixus Crawford, affectionately known as the Ballymena Viking Twins, recently claimed double gold at the Northern Ireland Judo Championships.

The brothers were crowned Under-12 Northern Ireland Judo Champions for 2026, adding to an impressive collection of sporting achievements.

They have also earned selection for the Northern Ireland Judo Pathway Squad, marking another milestone in their promising sporting careers.

The achievements of the two young athletes have brought pride to their family and the wider Ballymena community.

Ballymena Viking Twins honoured by Mayor

The brothers’ remarkable success was recently recognised by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Thomas Gordon.

The Mayor hosted a special reception to celebrate their achievements and recognise their contribution to local sport.

Mayor Gordon said:

“Hunter and Crixus Crawford, our ‘Viking Twins’, have enjoyed an extraordinary run of success, despite only beginning their judo journey last year at the age of eight.”

He explained that the brothers showed natural promise from the beginning.

After just a few weeks of training, they secured bronze medals at their first competition.

They quickly followed this success with another bronze medal at the prestigious All-Ireland Championships, held at the National Sports Arena in Dublin.

Mayor Gordon continued:

“Beyond the medals, what stands out most is the character shown by these young sportsmen. Regularly competing against older and more experienced opponents, the twins have demonstrated that hard work, belief and determination can overcome any obstacle.”

Double gold at Northern Ireland Judo Championships

The Ballymena Viking Twins have enjoyed a remarkable rise through the ranks of competitive judo.

At the Northern Ireland Open Invitational, both Hunter and Crixus secured silver medals against strong competition.

However, the brothers were determined to go one step further.

Their breakthrough came at the Northern Ireland Judo Championships, where both secured gold medals in their respective weight divisions.

The victories saw them crowned Under-12 Northern Ireland Judo Champions 2026.

Their success also helped them earn selection for the Northern Ireland Judo Pathway Squad.

Learn more about judo development in Northern Ireland through the Northern Ireland Judo Federation.

Memorial trophy dedicated to father during cancer battle

One of the most touching moments in the twins’ sporting journey came when they won the Amy Nolan Memorial Trophy.

Hunter and Crixus dedicated the trophy to their father, Graham, during his battle with cancer.

The heartfelt gesture demonstrated the strong family bond behind their achievements and the maturity of the two young athletes.

Despite their young age, the brothers continue to demonstrate the importance of determination, respect and family support.

Viking Twins also unbeaten in MMA

While judo has brought major success, the brothers have also established themselves in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Hunter and Crixus recently became Northern Ireland Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champions in both Gi and No-Gi competition.

Their achievements demonstrate their ability to adapt across different combat sports disciplines.

The brothers have also made an impressive start in mixed martial arts (MMA).

They remain unbeaten in competition, recording three wins from three fights.

Coaches predict bright future for young Ballymena athletes

The twins are coached by Danny Nolan of County Antrim Judo and Martin Begley of Heat MMA Antrim.

Both coaches have praised the brothers for their talent, hard work, discipline and sportsmanship.

Despite regularly competing against older and more experienced opponents, Hunter and Crixus have continued to develop their skills.

Their success also highlights the important role local sports clubs play in helping young people build confidence and develop their abilities.

Families interested in the sport can find out more about Northern Ireland Judo and local clubs.

Mayor praises young sporting ambassadors

Mayor Gordon said the brothers are already proving to be excellent ambassadors for Ballymena.

He said:

“As young ambassadors for Ballymena, Hunter and Crixus continue to represent their town with respect, humility and excellent sportsmanship.

“Their story highlights the positive impact sport can have on young people and serves as an inspiration to other children considering taking up competitive sport.”

The Mayor added:

“At just nine years old, the Viking Twins are already carrying the torch for Ballymena, and many believe this remarkable journey is only just beginning.”

Viking Twins’ achievements so far

At just nine years old, Hunter and Crixus Crawford have already achieved an impressive list of sporting honours.

• Northern Ireland Judo Champions 2026
• Northern Ireland Schools Judo Champions 2026
• Amy Nolan Memorial Trophy winners
• Northern Ireland Judo Pathway Squad members
• Northern Ireland Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champions (Gi and No-Gi)
• Unbeaten in MMA competition, with three victories from three fights

With multiple titles already secured, the brothers have established themselves as promising young combat sports athletes.

Their continued success will undoubtedly be followed with interest by supporters across Ballymena, Broughshane and beyond.

What do you think of the Viking Twins’ remarkable achievements?

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