ParalympicsGB Announce Judo Team for Paris 2024

Tokyo 2020 champion Chris Skelley is among the three judoka who have been selected to represent ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Skelley and Daniel Powell both return for their third Paralympic Games whilst Evan Molloy will make his Paralympic debut.

Skelley secured ParalympicsGB’s first Para judo gold medal at a Paralympic Games since 1996 when he topped the -100kg podium in Tokyo. Following classification changes within the sport the Hull athlete now competes in the J2 +90kg category.

The 31-year-old said: “It’s such a huge honour to represent ParalympicsGB for my third Games. It means everything to me to be able to pull on the judo jacket and step on that mat to give my best performance for my country, my family, my friends, my coach and everyone that has supported me over the years.”

Liverpudlian Powell made his Paralympic debut in London with a 7^th place finish. He equalled that result in Tokyo and following the changes to classification, has won World and European silver medals in the J1 -90kg category this cycle.

Powell, who is currently ranked third in the world, said: “I am really proud to be selected for my third Paralympic Games. I am heading to these Games in great form. I am the highest ranked I have ever been for a Games, so I am hopefully looking forward to bringing home a medal for my little boy.”

Molloy was a training partner at the Tokyo Games but will now make his debut in the J2 -90kg category in Paris. The Devizes judoka was bronze medallist at the European Championships in 2023.

Molloy said: “I am extremely excited to have qualified for my first Paralympic Games. Being able to represent ParalympicsGB alongside Chris and Dan is truly a privilege and it is great to have the wider British Judo team there to support me, it means so much as I make my debut. I am looking forward to doing my family proud!”

Team leader Tim Ellis said: “As we head into Paris, we are confident that we have a team that can produce some fantastic performances. In Chris and Dan we have multiple Games experience, while for Evan this is his first, but each member of the team has medalled at key competitions across the qualification period, which gives confidence to all of us. It is a privilege to be representing ParalympicsGB and we are ready and motivated to showcase what GB Judo is capable of to the world.”

Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission for Paris 2024 added: “It is my upmost pleasure to welcome Chris, Dan and Evan to the ParalympicsGB team for Paris 2024. There is already a terrific bond between these three athletes that I know will quickly extend to the wider team, so there is no doubt they are an asset to ParalympicsGB both on and off the field of play.”

One of two martial arts in the Paralympics, Para judo is exclusively for athletes with a visual impairment. The rules are the same as in Olympic judo, only the two fighters start gripped up. Judo will take place at the Champ de Mars Arena in Paris.

ParalympicsGB Judo Squad

Daniel Powell J1 -90kg (from Liverpool)

Evan Molloy J2 -90kg (from Devizes)

Chris Skelley J2 +90kg (from Hull)