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Team GB Paralympian inspires Banbury Judo Club members
08/11/2021
Chris Skelley visited the club as part of the British Judo Association’s Tokyo Olympics Roadshow
Members of Banbury Judo Club this weekend enjoyed a masterclass from a Team GB Paralympian. Gold medal winner Chris Skelley visited the club as part of the British Judo Association’s Tokyo Olympics Roadshow.
Chris represents Team GB in judo’s visually impaired under 100kg category. As well as picking up a Gold at Tokyo 2020 he has also won several medals at the European and world championships.
Banbury Judo Club’s juniors learned that despite Chris having limited vision and hearing he still learns judo in the same way as able-bodied people. The youngsters enjoyed some fun games and technical training before being able to hold and have a photo with Chris and his Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Gold Medal.
Nicholas, a club junior, said: “I loved it, the medal was really heavy. I found fighting with my eyes closed difficult, but I could feel my partners movements more than I thought”.
The club’s seniors worked on techniques which Chris had demonstrated at their own pace. Hannah is a club member who is known for undertaking judo throws on guest hosts. She said: “Chris was amazing.
“Most judo players dream of winning Olympic gold, not only did I get to hold a gold medal. I was able to take down a Paralympic Gold Medalist with a judo throw.”
Banbury Judo Club train on Sundays from 5pm for juniors and 6pm for seniors. More information can be found here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam