Shelley Ludford Hangs Up Judogi Ahead of New Career
August 07, 2026
British judoka Shelley Ludford has announced her retirement from competitive judo after 20 years in the sport, as she prepares to begin an exciting new chapter as a midwife.
Ludford brings her competitive career to a close following the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where she represented Team England and finished fifth in the -78kg category.
Her Commonwealth Games appearance was the latest milestone in a career which saw Ludford represent both Great Britain and England on the international stage.
One of the standout moments of her career came in 2018, when Ludford won bronze at the World Junior Championships. She would go on to enjoy further international success, including three gold medals on the European Judo Union (EJU) Tour.
The Commonwealth Games provided a fitting final chapter to two decades dedicated to the sport, particularly after Ludford had spent recent years balancing the considerable demands of training full-time as an elite judoka alongside studying and training to qualify as a Midwife – of which, she will complete this summer.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, Ludford said:
“After 20 years of judo, I am closing the chapter as a competitive judo athlete.
“I’m grateful to have ended my journey competing at the Commonwealth Games and coming away with a fifth. While I’m devastated not to leave with a medal, I’m proud of everything I have achieved, and to step back on the mat after some setbacks.”
From becoming a World Junior medallist to standing on top of EJU Tour podiums and representing Team England at a home Commonwealth Games, Ludford leaves the competitive side of the sport with plenty to look back on with pride.
She added: “I am proud to have represented Team GB and Team England, and I’m so grateful for every opportunity and memory along the way.
“Judo has given me lifelong friendships from all over the world and resilience through the toughest moments. Little me would be so proud!”
Ludford also paid tribute to the many people who have supported her throughout her 20-year journey in the sport.
“Thank you to my family, friends, coaches, teammates and everyone who has supported me throughout the years. Judo takes a village and I’m so grateful for the people still with me today. I couldn’t have done it without you!”
Away from the tatami, Ludford has demonstrated the same commitment to pursuing a career in midwifery, combining her studies and clinical training with the demands of being a full-time athlete.
With her competitive judo career now at an end, Ludford is preparing to qualify as a midwife later this year and turn her attention towards the next stage of her professional life.
“I am excited to begin my next chapter as a midwife,” Ludford added.
British Judo Performance Director Kate Howey MBE said:
“Shelley can be incredibly proud of everything she has achieved during her time in the British Judo programme. From winning a World Junior bronze medal and three EJU Tour titles to representing England at the Commonwealth Games, she has shown tremendous commitment and resilience throughout her career.
“What makes Shelley’s journey even more impressive is the way she has balanced the demands of training and competing at the highest level with working towards becoming a midwife. That takes an enormous amount of dedication and says a lot about her as a person.
“While we are sad to see Shelley step away from competitive judo, we are incredibly excited for what comes next. On behalf of everyone within the Performance team, I’d like to thank her for everything she has given to British Judo and wish her every success as she begins this exciting new chapter.”
Everyone at British Judo would like to congratulate Shelley on an outstanding 20 years in the sport and thank her for her commitment and dedication to British Judo.
We wish her every success as she completes her midwifery qualification and begins an exciting new chapter away from competitive judo.
