Chris Skelley: Paralympic judo gold medallist announces retirement
Two-time Paralympic medalist Chris Skelley announced his withdrawal from judo.
The 31-year-old won the gold medal in the -100kg event in Tokyo in 2021, before winning the bronze medal in the +90kg class in Paris last year.
“It was a tough decision, but the right decision,” he said. “I had a great time doing the exercise I love.
“Judo saved me. It gave me purpose and the life I always wanted and I will never be grateful for.”
Skelley was born in Nottingham but grew up in Hull, where he was five years old. He began to lose his sight of 17, forcing him to end his apprenticeship as a mechanic.
He joined the 19-year-old British judo equipment and won European and world championships before the Paralympic victory.
