“It’s Something Massive”: Dan Powell Reflects on World Champs
June 04, 2025
Three weeks off the back of a career-defining victory, Dan Powell joined the elite ranks of British Judo as a newly crowned World Champion.
In an emotional interview, Powell opened up about the journey that led to his golden moment — a story of persistence, self-doubt, late-night reflection, and finally, triumph.
“You know what, being world champion… it’s something massive, isn’t it?” said Powell, still processing his win. “I was just sat on the couch, jet-lagged, and it’s the first time I’ve been able to reflect on what’s happened. I’m just really happy. It’s been overwhelming.”
For years, Powell had come close, taking silver at the World Championships, European Championships, and Paris Paralympic Games. “I’ve always been a bit of a silver medal guy,” he admitted. “Just there or thereabouts.”
Six weeks before the Championships, he nearly walked away. “I said to my partner Leah, ‘I don’t know if I want to do this anymore… I don’t think I can beat that guy.’ And she said, ‘You used to say the same about the French guy you beat in the Paralympic semis.’ She was right. That conversation changed my mindset completely.”
That shift proved crucial when he drew his Brazilian rival — who had beaten him six times previously — in the final. “I knew I had to stop giving these guys so much respect,” he said. “I deserved to be on top of that podium.”
Backed by his coaching team, Powell approached the final with precision. “Johnsy (Ian Johns) and Chris Barry pulled out clips of all the best bits from my past matches with him — even the ones I lost. They showed me what I could do. It was down to me to implement it, and Johnsy said after, ‘That’s how you follow instructions.’”
What makes this victory even more remarkable is what Powell endured in the run-up. “I had a bad elbow, two slipped discs in my back, and just six days before we flew out, I was in hospital on a drip. It wasn’t a straight line by any means.”
Despite this, he made the bold call to compete. “It wasn’t sensible, but it was my decision. If it went wrong, it was on me. But if it went right… well, here we are.”
Powell’s motivation wasn’t just internal — it was also about showing up for his family. “My little boy started judo recently, and he’s loving it. After I won, I showed him the medal and Chris Barry told him, ‘Your dad’s a superhero.’ He asked me, ‘Did you save America?’ He genuinely thinks I’m out there saving the planet.”
For now, Powell is taking some much-needed time to rest and recover. “I need a bit of me-time. Clear up the injuries, spend time with my little lad. But I’ll be back — fitter, stronger, and ready for the next challenge.”
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Looking ahead, he’s hungry for more. “It’s not just world champion now — it’s about completing the set. European champion. Paralympic champion. Why not?”
Powell was quick to thank the wider team that made his journey possible. “Without the support from UK Sport and the National Lottery, none of this would happen. We don’t just wake up as world champions. The staff, the coaches, the physios — they all take a piece of this medal.”
As Powell changes his Instagram bio to include “World Champion,” his focus shifts to the future — not just as an athlete, but as a father and a role model. “Hopefully one day my son can beat whatever I’ve done. Fingers crossed it runs in the family.”
Watch the extended interview with Dan Powell on our YouTube Channel:
