GB VI Squad Heads to IBSA São Paulo Grand Prix
July 09, 2026
Six British judoka will be in action this weekend as they compete at the IBSA Grand Prix São Paulo in Brazil, the first qualification event on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Leading the squad is reigning World Champion Dan Powell (Ryecroft Judo Club), who will compete in the J1 -95kg category. Powell arrives in São Paulo in outstanding form, having won more than 20 international medals since returning to competition ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He will be looking to carry that momentum into the opening event of the Los Angeles 2028 qualification cycle.
Current World bronze medallist Evan Molloy (Devizes JC) will contest the J2 -81kg category. Molloy has also enjoyed an impressive run of form since Paris and will be aiming to make a strong start to his Paralympic qualification campaign.
Evie Gormley (Stewart JA) will compete in the J1 -60kg category. One of the latest athletes to graduate from British Judo’s Para Potential Programme, Gormley will be looking to make a positive start to her Los Angeles 2028 qualification campaign.
Kirsten Taylor (Tayside JC) lines up in the J2 +70kg category. Taylor will be aiming to build on her recent performances as she begins the new Paralympic cycle.
Jimmy Alderson (Priory JC) will contest the J2 -70kg category. Alderson heads into the opening qualification event looking to make a strong start against world-class opposition.
Rounding off the British team is Dan English (Tees Valley JC), who competes in the J1 +95kg category. English will be looking to make a strong impression as he begins his journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Head Paralympic Coach, Ian Johns said: “Although the team have competed since the Games, the real competition starts now. A tough qualification period is finally upon us. I am really happy with where the team is, and they are ready to do us all proud.
“The team has grown over the last year. After a really successful Para Potential Programme over the last few years, we now have fighters graduating and competing at the highest levels.”
Good luck, team!
