Powell appointment 'fantastic' for Wales judo

Natalie Powell claimed bronze at three consecutive European Championships, from 2016-2018, along with a World Championship bronze in 2017

Natalie Powell's appointment to guide Wales' Commonwealth Games judo squad has been described as 'fantastic' by national coach Michael Horley.

The former World number one has taken on the role as Commonwealth Games performance coach 11 months before the 2026 Glasgow games.

Powell, 34, retired in 2024 after a career in which she won bronze medals at both World and European Championships, along with gold at the the 2014 Commonwealths - also staged in Glasgow.

She also competed at two Olympic Games in Tokyo and Rio, where she finished seventh.

"This is a fantastic appointment for Welsh judo," said national coach Michael Horley.

"Natalie's experience on and off the mat will bring huge value to the programme.

"Our athletes will really benefit from her insight and I'm looking forward to working closely with her as we prepare for Glasgow 2026."

Starting at the Irfon Judo Club in Builth Wells, Powell made her debut on the global stage at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where she won silver.

She went on to win nine Grand Slam medals on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour, along with 21 Grand Prix medals and six at global championships.

In 2017 she became Great Britain's first female world number one, topping the -78kg rankings following a gold medal at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

Powell, who also works as a pathway and high performance officer at Wales Golf, says she is excited to take up her new role.

"There's so much potential in the group of athletes," she added, "and I'm looking forward to sharing my experience and supporting the team on their journey."