Former World and European Championships medallist Natalie Powell sits down with down with SportIn Wales to discuss her retirement from the sport .
Originally from Irfon Judo Club in Builth Wells, Natalie made her debut on the global stage at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, immediately showing her potential by forcing her way onto the podium as she won a Silver medal. Natalie regularly took on the world’s finest judoka and claimed Bronze at three consecutive European Championships during 2016-2018, adding a World Championships Bronze during that period in 2017.
During a highly successful career that has seen Powell compete for Team GB at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games, she became Great Britain’s first ever female World No.1 when she topped the -78kg rankings in 2017 following a Gold medal at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. She would go on to claim a total of nine Grand Slam medals on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour, alongside a haul of 21 Grand Prix medals.
Speaking about her retirement, Natalie commented: “Having spent over 20 incredible years travelling the world as part of the British & Welsh Judo team, the time has come for me to hang up my judogi and step into the next chapter.”
“Putting my journey into words feels impossible. From being a kid dreaming of going to the Olympics one day, to stepping on the mat in Rio & Tokyo. From the highs of winning World & European medals to the training days (some of which I’d rather forget) that pushed me to my physical and mental limits. Judo has taught me that I’m capable of much more than I ever believed. It has given me experiences and lifelong friendships far beyond what I ever dreamed.”
“Despite judo being a solo sport, the journey was never alone, there is quite literally 100s of people who have contributed and supported me, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you.”
“I’d like to say a special thank you to Kate (Howey). You have been there for me no matter what, you’ve picked me up when I’ve been at my lowest and celebrated with me at my highest. Both on and off the mat you’ve supported me and is a big part of why I can look back on my career so fondly. Thank you Kate!”
“Welsh Judo has been my home from the beginning. Starting in Irfon Judo Club with Richard, Phil & Jen, the club has never stopped in providing a great support network. Moving through the Welsh System I was fortunate to be coached by some of the greats, Alan Petherbridge, Neil Adams, Mark Earle, Craig Fallon, Alan Jones, Darren Warner. They have supported me through the highs and lows of my journey for which I am forever grateful.”
“I’m ending this chapter with a feeling of immense gratitude and a full heart. The lessons, friendships and experiences will stay with me forever. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.”
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