British Judo’s VI Stars Head to IBSA World Championships
May 12, 2025
Tomorrow marks the start of the IBSA Judo World Championships, and five of our finest have already touched down in Kazakhstan, poised, prepared, and ready to take on the world’s best.
Kicking off day one are Miles Soloman and Paralympian Evan Molloy, two strong contenders ready to make their mark on the world stage.
Miles Soloman (Oxford Judo) enters a fiercely competitive -70kg J2 category. His most recent outing saw him secure a strong 5th place at the IBSA World Cup in Tbilisi. Currently ranked World No. 4, Miles has shown consistent form and will head into the championships with confidence as he faces off against a world-class field.
Evan Molloy (Devizes Judo) heads to the World Championships as the World No. 1 in the -81kg J2 category, his first time entering the event seeded. Since making his Paralympic debut last year and moving into a weight class that better suits his strengths, Evan has been in outstanding form, most recently earning a bronze medal at the Tbilisi World Cup. A focused and consistent competitor, Molloy stands as one of Great Britain’s top medal hopes.
Day two sees the remainder of our talented squad take to the tatami, with all eyes on three judoka looking to make a serious impact.
A three-time Paralympian, World No. 4, and Paris 2024 silver medallist, Dan Powell (Phoenix Judo) is one of the most experienced athletes in the GB squad. With over 15 years competing at the highest level, he enters the -95kg J1 category as a formidable contender. Powell has medalled at each of his last 14 international competitions, consistently proving himself a threat on the world stage. A previous World Championships medallist, Powell now has his sights firmly set on capturing the elusive World Championship gold.
Next up is Jack Hodgson (Grimsby Judo), the current World No. 1 in his division and a commanding presence in the +95kg J2 division. A Paralympian with extensive international experience, Hodgson recently secured a bronze medal at the Tbilisi World Cup, and he’ll be looking to bring his best to Kazakhstan.
Rounding out the squad is Kirsten Taylor (Tayside Judo), competing in the +70kg J2 category. Taylor also claimed bronze in Tbilisi, and heads into the World Championships with momentum and confidence. Facing a strong field, she has both the talent and determination to challenge the world’s best this weekend.
Paralympic Head Coach Ian Johns said , “The first world championships of the new cycle with the new weight categories is very exciting. The best fighters from around the world will be here. Our team are up there with the best fighters, and our recent results prove this.
“The team have been to a number of events since Paris and we come into this world championships with high hopes. Training has been great, and the fighters are best prepared – it’s time to perform now.
“We are ready and we hope to make everyone proud – they will try their best as they always do!”
