Dan Powell Reflects on Historic European Championships Triumph
September 24, 2025
World Champion Dan Powell solidified his name in judo history over the weekend, claiming the IBSA European Championship title in Tbilisi, Georgia, and becoming the first British judoka to be both World and European Champion since 2011 — a remarkable achievement that adds to his already impressive legacy and career.
Fresh from winning the 2025 IBSA European Championships, Powell has taken time to reflect on what has been the most successful year of his career to date. The victory adds to his World title earlier this year, making him one of the few judoka ever to hold both honours simultaneously.
It hasn’t been an easy journey. Powell has had to adapt to moving up a weight category, fine-tune his training, and balance the physical demands of competing at the top level. At 34, he admits it has taken more than just natural talent to stay ahead.
“There’s been a lot going on — moving up a weight category within this cycle and having to push myself physically in a way I’ve not done before,” Powell explained. “Getting out and having the year I’ve had so far has been incredible.”
Powell’s World Championship win in May was a landmark moment, achieved by beating a Brazilian opponent who had defeated him five times previously, including at the Paralympics. But while that victory silenced any doubts, he approached the Europeans with a different mindset.
“With the Europeans, I really did want to win it. I put a bit of pressure on myself, thinking I should win it. That level of expectation brought a real want. Going into the final, there were still those nerves, but also that elation of getting the job done.”
The final itself was far from straightforward, as he faced a world bronze medallist he had never competed against before.
“He’s relatively new to the international circuit, so we didn’t have loads of information on him. However, the Friday before going out I sat down with Chris Barry, our analysis guy, and went through a couple of videos, getting a little bit of a feel for what this guy could be about if he found his way into the final.
“Within the first 10 seconds, he scored on me, and I was chasing from early on.
“It was one of those moments of taking a breath — we still had a long way to go in the fight, and I only get better as the fight goes on. It only took me another forty seconds to get the ippon. It was a wake-up call to get on with it and get the job done.”
When the winning moment arrived, the emotions poured out.
“I’m quite composed most of the time nowadays, but winning the title of European Champion — there’s always going to be that overflow of emotions. It was amazing to do it with Johnsy in the chair, to come off the mat and spend that first bit of time hugging it out and acknowledging what we’d done.”
Powell’s success this year has been all the more impressive given the challenges of maintaining consistency in such a demanding sport.
“Our sport is one of the hardest to be consistent in. You’ve got to stay on it for most of the year, competing in Grand Prix, Grand Slams, Worlds and Europeans,” he said.
“At 34, I’ve had to manage training, make sure my body feels right, and deal with injury and illness. But the experience I’ve gained in the last year has been key.”
That experience has translated into new habits and a relentless work ethic.
“Just a few days before flying out, I was training at 6am on a Monday before work. I kept saying to myself, nobody else is doing this. None of my competitors are doing this. I’m putting myself through it and preparing in the best way, and I must have been right, because nobody could get near me on the day.”
Away from the spotlight, Powell is quick to credit the support of local clubs and coaches who have kept him grounded and motivated.
“Being able to celebrate with your people — the guys at Ryecroft like Ian Benson, Nick Hawk, Sticky, who are there every week, Ian Oliver when he can. They keep judo alive for me and help me enjoy my training.”
Despite the double triumph, Powell insists he is far from done. With the Los Angeles Paralympics now just three years away, his focus remains firmly on the future.
“Nothing’s more fun than winning and being able to win titles for the first time in my career. But there are still things to do, I’ve got another three years now to the Games, another three years to stay on top of my game, fit and healthy, and hopefully make it to LA.”
For now, though, Powell will allow himself a rare moment to pause. With a holiday on the horizon and his wedding early next year, he knows balance is just as important as medals.
“This year has been chaotic at times. It’s time, like after Paris, to take stock, realise what we’ve done, and celebrate. I’ve got a nice holiday booked for next week, so I’m going to go and have a bit of time to reflect and chill out. Then I’ll come back, start training at a moderate level, and look at what’s next.”
“A big thanks to my coach, analysis team, Evan who warms me up, and to Cimac, The National Lottery and UK Sport for getting us in the best shape and around the world to compete at the highest level.”
We can’t wait to see what Dan does next!
