Chris Skelley

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion, Chris started judo as his parents wanted him to do extracurricular sporting activities. He started attending his local judo club which was recommended by rugby coach.

At the age of 17 Chris’ eyesight began to deteriorate which eventually caused him to stop his apprenticeship to become a mechanic at the age of 18. At 19 Chris was eventually diagnosed with oculartanious albinism. As well as his job, Chris also had to stop playing rugby, meaning judo was the only constant in his life during this period.

At the age of 19 Chris moved to Walsall to train full time at the British Judo Centre of Excellence. Since the move Chris has been crowned European Champion and won two World Championship bronze medals. In 2019 Chris became ranked world number 1 in the -100kg category, a ranking he still holds to this day.

Outside of judo Chris is an ambassador for Phoenix Enterprises and during lockdown he was delivering food parcels to vulnerable members in his community. This saw Chris win the UK Sport Social Impact award at the PLx awards evening.

Chris won gold in Tokyo in the -100kg category which has since been disbanded following the reclassification post Tokyo. He now competes in the J2+90kg category and had to compete against best friend Jack Hodgson for the sole spot in Paris. Chris was best man at Jack’s wedding and is a godparent to his daughter. Jack was also best man at Chris’ wedding.

Chris is also a mentor for True Athlete Project.

2020 Paralympic Games, Tokyo, Japan

• Gold

2019 European Championships, Genoa, Italy

• Bronze

2018 World Championships, Lisbon, Portugal

• Bronze

2017 European Championships, Walsall, UK

• Bronze

2015 World Games, Seoul, South Korea

• Bronze

2015 European Championships, Lisbon, Portugal

• Bronze