Is Powell's Appointment a Game-Changer for Welsh Judo?

Natalie Powell's recent appointment as the performance coach for Wales' Commonwealth Games judo squad has been met with enthusiasm, especially from national coach Michael Horley, who sees her extensive experience as a vital asset. With a remarkable history in judo, including multiple medals at world and European championships, Powell's transition to coaching is expected to greatly enhance Welsh judo as they prepare for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)

Key Highlights of Natalie Powell's Career

• Bronze medals at three consecutive European Championships (2016-2018).
• World Championship bronze in 2017.
• Gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
• Competed in two Olympic Games (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020).
• Became Great Britain's first female world number one in 2017.

A New Chapter in Coaching

Natalie Powell, a celebrated figure in judo, has taken on the role of Commonwealth Games performance coach for Wales, just 11 months ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Games. This appointment is deemed significant by Welsh judo's national coach, Michael Horley, who described it as "fantastic." Horley believes that Powell's extensive experience, both as an athlete and in her current role as a high-performance officer at Wales Golf, will greatly benefit the judo programme and its athletes.

The Importance of Experience in Coaching

In sports, the transition from athlete to coach can often prove challenging. However, Powell's journey from competitor to coach appears seamless, given her remarkable achievements and insights into the sport. Her understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels is expected to inspire and elevate the performance of Welsh athletes.

A Glimpse into Powell's Impressive Career

Starting her judo journey at the Irfon Judo Club in Builth Wells, Powell made her international debut at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing a silver medal. Over the years, she amassed an impressive medal tally:

• Nine Grand Slam medals on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour.
• 21 Grand Prix medals.
• Six medals at global championships.

Her crowning achievement came in 2017 when she became Great Britain's first female judo athlete to attain the world number one ranking in the -78kg category after clinching gold at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

Competing on the World Stage

Powell's participation in two Olympic Games—Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020—further solidified her reputation as one of the best. Although she finished seventh in both events, her experiences at these prestigious competitions have equipped her with invaluable knowledge that she can now pass on to upcoming athletes.

Looking Ahead to Glasgow 2026

As the Commonwealth Games draw nearer, Powell's focus is on harnessing the potential of the Welsh judo squad. She expressed enthusiasm about the talent within the group and is keen to share her experiences to help guide them on their quest for success. "There's so much potential in the group of athletes," Powell stated, emphasising her commitment to supporting the team's journey towards the Commonwealth Games.

The Future of Welsh Judo

With Powell at the helm, Welsh judo is poised for growth. Her unique combination of elite experience and coaching knowledge could be the catalyst needed to propel the athletes to new heights. The groundwork laid now, under her guidance, could lead to an influx of medals for Wales at the upcoming Games.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Welsh Judo

Natalie Powell's appointment as the performance coach is a pivotal moment for Welsh judo. Combining her rich experience with a passion for the sport, she is set to lead the next generation of judokas towards success on the international stage. As the Commonwealth Games approach, the excitement surrounding Powell's role only continues to grow.

What will the impact of Powell's coaching be on the future of Welsh judo? Only time will tell, but the potential is undoubtedly promising. #NataliePowell #WelshJudo #CommonwealthGames2026

FAQs

Who is Natalie Powell?

Natalie Powell is a retired judo athlete from Wales, known for her achievements including multiple European and World Championship medals, and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

What is Natalie Powell's new role?

Powell has been appointed as the Commonwealth Games performance coach for Wales' judo squad, focusing on preparing athletes for the 2026 Glasgow Games.

What are Natalie Powell's major achievements?

Powell has won bronze medals at three consecutive European Championships (2016-2018), a World Championship bronze in 2017, and a gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

What is the significance of her appointment?

Her appointment is significant because of her extensive experience as an elite athlete, which is expected to provide valuable insights and guidance to Welsh judokas.

How did Powell perform in the Olympics?

Powell competed in two Olympic Games, finishing seventh in both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 events, showcasing her competitiveness on the world stage.