Chris Skelley, a judoka who won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, transitioned to a new weight category for the Paris Games after competing in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. This time, he competed in the newly introduced +90 kilogram weight category. At 31, Skelley aspired to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Simon Jackson, a Paralympic legend, by becoming the first person in over 25 years to win a medal in two separate weight categories across two Paralympic Games.
Skelley reflected on his journey leading up to Paris, acknowledging the immense support he received from his coach, teammates, wife, family, and friends. He emphasized the dedication and hard work that went into his preparation for the Games, explaining that he gave his all when he stepped onto the mat. His goal was clear: to secure a second Paralympic medal, which would place him in the same league as Jackson, someone he deeply admired for his contribution to visually impaired sports.
Before leaving for Paris, Skelley shared his thoughts in an interview, expressing his determination to match Jackson’s achievements. He understood the difficulty of winning a second Paralympic gold but believed that his perseverance and the challenges he had overcome throughout his life gave him a strong chance of success. He viewed his hard work as a culmination of both personal and professional struggles, which had prepared him for this moment.
Skelley’s admiration for Jackson was evident. He described the judoka as a “legend” who set high standards for visually impaired athletes. Jackson’s success inspired Skelley, motivating him to strive for the same level of excellence in his sport. Achieving what Jackson had accomplished would be a monumental honor for Skelley, considering how Jackson had shaped the landscape of visually impaired sports.
Reflecting on his journey, Skelley spoke about his younger self, who had once struggled through a challenging period in life where he saw no clear future. If he could go back in time, Skelley said, he would eagerly tell his younger self that he would one day be competing in his third Paralympic Games. The opportunity to compete at this level marked a significant milestone in his life, serving as a reminder of how far he had come and how much he had fought to reach his goals.
For Skelley, the Paris Paralympics represented not just another competition, but a symbolic moment of personal growth and resilience. His journey to the top was a testament to his determination and the support system that stood behind him throughout his athletic career. Matching Simon Jackson’s record would not only be a personal triumph but also a tribute to the impact Jackson had on the sport and the athletes who followed in his footsteps. Skelley’s path to the Paralympics showed that success was not just about talent but also about overcoming adversity and believing in the possibility of achieving greatness.
