Medal Success in Astana for British Judo’s VI Squad

British Judo’s Visually Impaired Squad wrapped up their 2024 with a phenomenal performance at the IBSA Astana Grand Prix, marking a promising start to the LA 2028 Paralympic cycle.

Paralympian Evan Molloy made a spectacular debut in his new weight category, securing his first-ever Grand Prix gold medal. His flawless performance sets a high bar for his future in the division. His success highlights his potential, and we’re excited to see what’s next for him on this journey.

Miles Soloman also impressed by clinching his first medal on the IBSA World Circuit, taking home bronze. After losing to the eventual winner in the semi-finals, Miles bounced back in style, dominating his Japanese opponent in the bronze medal match. Adjusting to his new weight category, this result marks an encouraging start to his Paralympic ambitions.

Jack Hodgson secured a silver medal with a standout performance. He showcased exceptional skill, defeating his semi-final opponent with a beautifully executed Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi for Waza-ari. Although he narrowly missed gold after losing to the Paralympic bronze medallist in the final, Jack’s efforts throughout the tournament were commendable, capping off an excellent year.

Kirsten Taylor faced a challenging competition, losing both of her matches in a round-robin format against the same opponent. Despite the setbacks, Kirsten showed great determination and resilience, earning praise for her efforts in Kazakhstan.

Following the event, Paralympic Head Coach Ian Johns shared his thoughts on the team’s performance:

“We have started the new cycle really strong, following a successful Paris Paralympic Games. I am excited to dive into 2025 and show the world what this team is capable of.”

Next up: IBSA German Open in February 2025.

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