Tokyo Paralympic Champion Chris Skelley was competing in the new weight category of +90kg in the J2 category. Skelley entered as the 4th seed, and following an opening-round bye, comfortably overcame home athlete Nacer Zorgani (FRA) in the Quarter-Final. Skelley registered a seoi-nage for waza-ari score in the opening 30 seconds before transitioning into newaza to register an ippon score.

He then faced number one seed, Ibrahim Bolukbasi (TUR) in the semi-final. The contest was a tense affair and with nothing between the pair, the contest entered Golden Score.

Skelley continued to force the contest, forcing his opponent to concede two shidos. With the contest in the 9th minute, Skelley conceded a second shido, then in the following exchange, the Turkish judoka registered a seoi-nage for waza-ari score, meaning Skelley would contest the bronze medal contest against Tony Ricardo Mantola (INA).

Skelley was in complete control from start to finish, securing the bronze medal in style. As the contest neared the midway point, Skelley went to ground, in his signature style and applied a strangle to win by ippon score.

Speaking after the contest, Skelley said: “It was a tough day. I had a really good semi-final against (Ibrahim) Bolukbasi and it was so, so close. I was really annoyed that I didn’t win that. In my head it was about pressure, I knew I could beat that guy all day long but the demons come out in your head and make you question yourself. So it’s good to get the win.”

“If you had said to me six months ago that I would step onto the mat in Paris, I’d have bitten your hand off. It’s been a very tough six months for me, mentally and physically. I’m so pleased that I’ve come through it a stronger person. On any other day, I feel like I could have been in that final. But two-time Paralympic medallist, if you’d told me that four years ago, I’d have bitten your hand off. I’m really happy.”