Chris Skelley, a 31-year-old judoka, made history at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris by competing in the newly introduced +90 kilogram weight category. After winning gold at the Tokyo Paralympics and first competing in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Skelley followed in the footsteps of his idol, Simon Jackson. He became the first athlete in over 25 years to win Paralympic medals in two different weight categories.
Born with ocular albinism, Skelley transitioned to visually-impaired judo after realizing that other sports were becoming too risky for him and his competitors. This switch marked a pivotal moment in his athletic career, propelling him to success in judo and establishing him as a trailblazer in the sport. Now, at his third Paralympics, he has cemented his place in history.
Skelley expressed his gratitude and pride for representing his country once again, acknowledging the challenges presented by his new weight category. He emphasized how hard he had fought, giving his best in every second of competition. Surrounded by the unwavering support of his coach, teammates, wife, and family, Skelley attributed much of his success to this strong network of encouragement.
Ahead of the Paris Games, Skelley spoke to the media about his desire to match Simon Jackson’s achievements. Jackson, a legend in visually impaired judo, had set the standard by winning multiple Paralympic medals, and Skelley sought to equal his record. He reflected on the immense effort and perseverance that had brought him this far, emphasizing that the difficulties he overcame only strengthened his resolve.
Skelley also took a moment to look back on his journey, recalling the difficult times when he struggled to see a future in sport. He shared how, if he could speak to his younger self, he would have been eager to reveal the success that awaited him. This realization of how far he had come made his participation in the Paris Paralympics especially meaningful, marking a significant milestone in his career.
