Chris Hunt Skelley MBE prepares to travel to Paris to defend his Paralympic title

Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, Paralympic judo gold medallist under 100kg, heads to Paris this weekend to defend his title as Champion.

Chris, who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games, will be defending his title though he’ll be competing in the newly introduced +90 kg weight category.

“I’m now well into my mental preparation for this amazing opportunity that I’ve been given to represent my country again on the world stage.

“Watching my fellow athletes competing at the Olympics has simply inspired me to be the best that I can be when I compete in my weight class, scheduled currently for Saturday 7 September.”

Chris, who is visually impaired due to oculartanious albinism, discovered his passion for judo after his failing sight meant other sports were no longer safe for him or his fellow competitors. Judo became his sanctuary at a very difficult time in his life.

He was discovered as a potential Paralympian in a remarkable manner — by competing blindfolded and triumphing against sighted competitors. This dedication led him to the elite level of his sport, where he has consistently proven himself as one of the world's top judokas.

Chris has been supported in his journey to Paris by sponsors including Aldi, Imagine Cruising, Ryse Energy, Phonak, United Strength & Conditioning and GLL Sport Foundation

“I wouldn’t be travelling to the greatest show on earth without these wonderful companies who have chosen to support me and allowed me to focus on being at the top of my game. I cannot thank them enough,” Chris said.

Chris will be joined in Paris (sort of) by his wife Louise Hunt Skelley PLY who is a former wheelchair tennis player who will be commentating on the wheelchair tennis. Louise is already in Paris and when Chris competes she will be leaving the commentary box to wheel herself across the city to the Champs de Mars Arena in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

“I’m so proud of Chris,” Louise said. “I know how hard he’s worked for this and how many challenges he’s overcome to be able to compete on this global stage. Whatever the outcome he’s a champion to me and his family!

“I’ll be taking my tri-ride which is a power add on to my everyday wheelchair. It allows me to travel much quicker across more challenging terrains which is ideal for the cobble streets of Paris. This will be my mode of transport to get from the commentary box to the arena to watch Chris compete.”

At the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020, Great Britain came second in the medal table with athletes securing 41 gold medals. In top spot was China, securing 96 gold medals and the USA came in third with 37 gold medals.

• Picture, taken by Barbara Leatham, shows Chris Hunt Skelley MBE with his wife Louise Hunt Skelley PLY.