Natalie Powell Announces Retirement from Judo

Former World and European Championships medallist Natalie Powell has today announced her retirement from the sport following a storied career on the mat.

During a highly successful career that has seen Powell compete for Team GB at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games, she became Great Britain’s first ever female World No.1 when she topped the -78kg rankings in 2017 following a Gold medal at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

She would go on to claim a total of nine Grand Slam medals on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour, alongside a haul of 21 Grand Prix medals.

Hailing from Irfon Judo Club in Builth Wells, Natalie made her debut on the global stage at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, immediately showing her potential by forcing her way onto the podium as she won a Silver medal. Powell regularly took on the world’s finest judoka and claimed Bronze at three consecutive European Championships during 2016-2018, adding a World Championships Bronze during that period in 2017.

One of Wales’ most experienced athletes, she donned the Red Dragon for 2014 Commonwealth Games as she topped the podium in front of a raucous Glasgow crowd, and whilst she wasn’t able to defend her title at the Gold Coast edition of the Games (judo was not selected to be a core sport) she followed up her Glasgow success with Silver at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking about her retirement, Natalie commented: “Having spent over 20 incredible years travelling the world as part of the British & Welsh Judo team, the time has come for me to hang up my judogi and step into the next chapter.”

“Putting my journey into words feels impossible. From being a kid dreaming of going to the Olympics one day, to stepping on the mat in Rio & Tokyo. From the highs of winning World & European medals to the training days (some of which I’d rather forget) that pushed me to my physical and mental limits. Judo has taught me that I’m capable of much more than I ever believed. It has given me experiences and lifelong friendships far beyond what I ever dreamed.”

“Despite judo being a solo sport, the journey was never alone, there is quite literally 100s of people who have contributed and supported me, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you.”

“Firstly, Darren Warner, when you stepped in as my coach in 2014 you completely changed my career. You improved my performance in every area, taught me to be professional, and made me believe that anything was possible. Your attention to detail, knowledge and effort has always been on another level. I couldn’t have wished for a better coach, person and mentor to share my journey with.”

Speaking about her time with British Judo, Natalie expressed her immense gratitude: “I would like to thank British Judo and all the staff members I’ve worked with over the years. You have supported me from the time I stepped onto the World Class Performance Programme in 2012 and given me opportunities I could only dream of as a youngster. I feel very fortunate to have had such great team mates and training partners to share the journey with.”

“I’d like to say a special thank you to Kate (Howey). You have been there for me no matter what, you’ve picked me up when I’ve been at my lowest and celebrated with me at my highest. Both on and off the mat you’ve supported me and is a big part of why I can look back on my career so fondly. Thank you Kate!”

“Welsh Judo has been my home from the beginning. Starting in Irfon Judo Club with Richard, Phil & Jen, the club has never stopped in providing a great support network. Moving through the Welsh System I was fortunate to be coached by some of the greats, Alan Petherbridge, Neil Adams, Mark Earle, Craig Fallon, Alan Jones, Darren Warner. They have supported me through the highs and lows of my journey for which I am forever grateful.”

“I’m ending this chapter with a feeling of immense gratitude and a full heart. The lessons, friendships and experiences will stay with me forever. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.”

British Judo Performance Director Nigel Donohue commended Natalie on her incredible career:

“Natalie has been a fantastic athlete who has had a stellar career, including wining World and European Championships medals, Commonwealth Games Gold, multi-Grand Prix and Grand Slam medals and competing in two Olympic Games over a 12-year international career.”

“As an athlete, Natalie was a hard-working, driven and professional athlete and an all-round nice person who was a pleasure to have as a member of the World Class Performance Programme (WCPP). We wish Natalie all the very best as she ends her competitive career and moves into the next chapter of her life, where I have no doubt, Natalie will prove to have a long and successful career in her chosen vocation.”

Kate Howey MBE has worked with Natalie throughout her career since her debut. Reflecting on their time together, she said:

“I have worked with Natalie for a very long time and have had the pleasure of coaching her when she has won various World and European medals and ultimately two Olympic Games.”

“There have been many highs and some lows in the past 12 years but ultimately through it all, good and bad, I feel privileged to have been part of her judo journey. I wish her all the best for whatever is next in her life.”

Women’s Olympic Head Coach Jamie Johnson commented:

“I’ve known Natalie for some time, but only in the last few years got to know her pretty well, and what I’ve seen in Natalie was a very professional athlete, who strived to get better even at the latter stages of her career.”

“She is a true professional and a very loyal person.  I’m sure she will carry all her experience from her judo career to her next steps in life whatever she does.”

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