Bio
How I started:
My journey into Judo began at a very young age, just five years old. It was almost by chance, as my parents were looking for an activity for me, and Judo seemed like a great way to channel my energy and learn discipline. From those early days on the mat, I quickly fell in love with the sport. It became more than just a hobby; it was a passion that shaped my life, teaching me not just throws and holds, but also respect, perseverance, and control. As I progressed through the ranks, my dedication grew, even as my eyesight, due to ocular albinism, began to deteriorate significantly in my late teens. Adapting my Judo to my changing vision became part of my journey.
My Greatest Achievement:
My greatest achievement in sport is undoubtedly winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (held in 2021) in the -100 kg category. Standing on that podium, with the gold medal around my neck, after years of relentless training, sacrifice, and overcoming significant challenges, was an incredibly emotional and validating moment. It wasn’t just about the medal; it was the culmination of a lifelong dedication to Judo, a testament to the support of my team, family, and coaches, and proof that my vision impairment wouldn’t define my potential. To then go on and win a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, securing two medals in two different weight categories at consecutive Games, cemented this achievement even further.
My Greatest Challenge:
Without a doubt, my greatest challenge has been navigating the progression of my visual impairment while simultaneously competing at the highest level of Judo. Being diagnosed with ocular albinism and experiencing the deterioration of my sight, especially as an aspiring elite athlete, was incredibly tough. It meant learning to trust my other senses more, adapting my techniques, and constantly finding new ways to compete effectively against opponents who often had full vision. There were moments of frustration and doubt, but overcoming those mental and physical hurdles to remain competitive and ultimately excel in a sport so reliant on spatial awareness and quick reactions has been a continuous test of my resilience.
My Hobbies:
When I’m not on the Judo mat (or was, in my competitive days), I enjoy a range of hobbies that help me unwind and stay connected. I’m a big fan of music and often use it to relax. Spending time outdoors, whether it’s going for walks or just enjoying nature, is also something I value. Most importantly, I love spending quality time with my wife, Louise, and our family and friends. Post-retirement, I’m looking forward to exploring new interests and dedicating more time to these passions.
My Future Aspirations:
In the future, I aim to continue using my platform and experiences to inspire and empower others, particularly the next generation. Having recently retired from competitive Judo (in February 2025), I’m keen to focus on my role as a motivational speaker, sharing my story of resilience, adaptation, and achievement with schools and organisations. I want to emphasise that challenges, like my visual impairment, don’t have to be roadblocks but can be catalysts for growth and new opportunities. I also aim to continue my ambassadorial and mentoring work, supporting charities like Phoenix Enterprises and guiding aspiring athletes through The True Athlete Project, helping them navigate their own journeys in sport and life.
