Miles Soloman and Evan Molloy Take Bronze at the IBSA World Championships
May 13, 2025
It was a perfect start for British Judo on Day One of the 2025 IBSA World Championships, as Miles Soloman and Evan Molloy each claimed bronze to secure their first-ever IBSA World Championships medals!
Miles Soloman, ranked world number 4 in the -70kg J2 category heading into the competition, competed in the fiercely contested division with a fearless attitude.
Having shown strong form in recent months, including a 5th-place finish at the IBSA World Cup in Tbilisi, he carried that momentum into the World Championships, advancing impressively throughout the day to reach the bronze medal match.
The Oxford Judo athlete was set to take on a battle for a place on the podium. However, due to injury, his opponent was unable to compete, awarding the GB judoka the bronze medal.
It was a well-earned result that rightly deserves recognition, not only for Soloman but also for the dedicated coaching team supporting him. This marks his first World Championship medal, and we can’t wait to see what he goes on to achieve in the future.
Speaking on his incredible achievement, Miles said, “I feel absolutely elated!
“I’ve worked really hard to get here, made some mistakes and learned from them along the way! I have learned so much from the people and experts around me.
“I’d like to thank my British Judo Coaches, Chris Barry and Ian Johns, for all their support, British Judo, The National Lottery and all my training partners at Oxford Judo for putting up with me on a daily basis!
“Also, thanks to Fortify Jiu Jitsu for adding to my newaza, which really helped me today.
“Finally, thanks to my Mum and Dad, Neil and Liz, for everything they do for me: from helping with my laundry to driving up and down the country to Judo competitions!”
Next up was Evan Molloy, who delivered a world-class performance throughout the day in the -81kg J2 category, to secure his place in the final block. This marked the first time the Devizes JC judoka had been seeded at a World Championships, and he made that opportunity count.
In a stacked category featuring some of the sport’s toughest competitors, Molloy once again proved he belongs among the elite, showing he can go toe-to-toe with anyone who steps onto the mat. In his bronze medal match, he stepped up with confidence, dominating the contest and securing victory in just over a minute to claim his first World Championships medal.
Reflecting on his unbelievable achievement today, Evan said, “I’m absolutely buzzing to finally be a world medallist.
“I’ve seen this moment for myself for a good few years, and now that dream has become a reality, I am absolutely buzzing.
“A massive thank you to British Judo, the National Lottery, and UK Sport for all the continued support. Without you, these results wouldn’t be possible for us.”
Both Evan and Miles represent the bright future of British Judo’s VI team and Paralympic programme.
British Judo’s Paralympic Head Coach, Ian Johns, shared his thoughts on the team’s performance, “I am exceptionally happy with the two results. There were some really quality performances from both fighters today.
“It was Miles’s first World Championships and his first World medal – he fought brilliantly all day long. He was on fire, showing some really good judo and really well-thought-out fight planning.
“He delivered today, and I’m really happy with him.
“Me and Evan go way back, right to the start of his journey, so I’m absolutely chuffed to bits for him to finally come away with a World medal.
“We go again tomorrow—simple as that. We’re really happy.
“We’ve got three fighters competing tomorrow, and we want to make sure they’re ready to rock and roll as well.”
Congratulations to the entire team on a fantastic day of competition – you’ve done British Judo proud!
