Natalie Powell looks ahead to her second Olympic Games

“Training has been going really well since I arrived in Tokyo. All the hard work was done before I travelled, so the last week has been about fine tuning and getting in those final pre-competition preparations to ensure I go into my fight feeling sharp.”

Tomorrow sees Natalie Powell attempt to join an illustrious group by adding an Olympic medal to the World, European and Commonwealth medals she has already won.

First Round: Bye

Approximate 2nd Round time: 3:55am (Contest 12)
Approximate Quarter Final time: 4:20am (Contest 18)

Powell is excited to be back competing in a multi-sport competition:

“I have been fortunate to experience multiple multi-sport events, so I am used to the format. However, Tokyo is extra special; the Olympic village is amazing, and the experience is just as incredible as my first Olympic Games.”

Competing at her second Olympic Games, and with multiple medal successes at major championships, Powell is drawing on all of her past experience ahead of her competition on Thursday.

“Being my second Games I more experienced this time around. I am doing things differently this year – I have come off of social media and I am not going to watch much of the competition before I compete. Watching Chelsie win her bronze medal was amazing, but it was so emotionally draining as I got so invested. I was so excited for her, but it really took it out of me.”

“The day before I compete we have my teammate Gemma (Howell) my friend Megan (Fletcher) and my girlfriend (Sanne Van Dijke) all competing, so it will be an emotional rollercoaster! I think it will be wise to step away and focus on my own preparations.”

The action gets underway with the Preliminaries starting at 3:00am (BST) daily.

Victory Ceremonies will start around 11:30am (BST)

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British Judo will bring you a recap of how all your British fighters perform each day and you can follow the action on the British Judo social media channels.

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