The British Judo Association is proud to confirm the squad selected for the 2025 World Judo Championships, scheduled for 13–20 June 2025 in Budapest, Hungary.

Ollie Barratt (–100kg) Dragons Academy

A rising force in the -100kg category, Ollie has shown consistent progress through the international ranks and secured his place on the team following a series of strong performances on the IJF World Tour. He heads to Hungary off the back of his first medal contest of his career as he fell just short of claiming Bronze in Dushanbe at the start of May. He will be hoping to use experience gained at last months European Championships to help him take on the world’s best in the -100kg competition.

Rhys Thompson (–100kg) Enfield / Team Bath

Joining Ollie in the -100kg will be Rhys Thompson who brings a wealth of experience and physical presence to the squad. With multiple European and Grand Slam appearances under his belt, he will be one to watch in Budapest. Following a recent lay-off through injury that saw him withdraw from the European Championships, Rhys will make his return to action on the biggest stage as he hopes to regain the form that saw him pick up a maiden Grand Prix medal at the back end of 2024.

Max Gregory (-100kg, Reserve) – Drake

Max continues to impress as a developing talent in the heavyweight division. As reserve, he remains a key part of the preparation camp and is ready to step in if required.

Women’s Selections

Tatum Keen (–52kg), Bradley Stoke

An exciting prospect in the -52kg category, Tatum has demonstrated her potential at European Cups and recent IJF World Tour events. This selection marks a major step in her senior career as she makes her debut at the World Championships having previously represented Great Britain at the Junior edition. She heads into the event in outstanding form, having already secured silver at the Warsaw European Open earlier this year.

Kelly Petersen-Pollard (–70kg), Hardy Spicer 83

Kelly is a powerhouse in the -70kg category, with Grand Slam medals and a European U23 title to her name. Her dynamic style and attacking judo make her a standout in any draw. Alongside Emma Reid, she is one of the most in-form judoka on the circuit as she added a Silver medal from the Dushanbe Grand Slam to her Dubrovnik Gold and Warsaw bronze medals. These results have seen Kelly rise up to No.15 in the World Rankings with eyes on cracking the top 10.

Emma Reid (–78kg), Redbridge

A consistent performer at the elite level, Emma enters the World Championships as Great Britain’s highest ranked athlete as she reached a career high WRL 7 following Gold in Dushanbe in May and came so close to a maiden European Championships medal as she missed out on Bronze last month. She has represented GB at Olympic Games, World and European Championships and brings experience and composure to the tea.

Each of these athletes brings a unique combination of experience, potential, and competitive fire. Their selection reflects months of hard work and standout performances across recent international competitions.

Kate Howey MBE, Interim Performance Director, British Judo shared her thoughts on the announcement:

“We’re excited to announce a strong and dynamic team for the 2025 World Championships in Budapest. Each of these athletes has earned their place through hard work, resilience, and consistent performance. This event is a key milestone on our journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 cycle, and I have every confidence that our judoka will represent Great Britain with pride and determination. We’re looking forward to seeing them test themselves against the world’s best.”

All selected athletes will attend a Preparation Camp from 5–8 June 2025 at the British Judo Olympic & Paralympic National Training Centre, as they gear up for one of the biggest events on the international calendar.

We are incredibly proud of these athletes and look forward to seeing them showcase their talent, determination, and British Judo spirit on the world stage.

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