Jenny Close Appointed Team Leader for England Judo Ahead of 2026 Commonwealth Games

As the countdown begins to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, England Judo is proud to announce the appointment of Jenny Close as Team Leader for what promises to be an unforgettable campaign.

As the Games prepares for a triumphant return to Glasgow — a city that last hosted the event in 2014 — this milestone moment brings renewed focus, energy, and anticipation as England Judo sets its sights on continuing its proud legacy as the most successful judo nation in Commonwealth history.

Jenny brings with her a wealth of experience from across some of the UK’s most respected sporting institutions, including British Rowing, UK Athletics, and UK Sport. Her background spans over a decade of leadership in performance management, operations, pathway development, and organisational culture — all of which will play a crucial role in shaping the journey to Glasgow 2026.

“It’s a real honour to be appointed Team Leader for England Judo as we look ahead to Glasgow 2026. The Commonwealth Games hold a special place in our sport’s history, and I’m incredibly proud to lead a team with such a strong legacy. This is a pivotal moment — not just for our athletes, but for the entire judo community — and I’m excited to help create an environment where everyone can perform at their best and be proud of the journey we take together.”

Currently serving as Performance Manager, Jenny has already made a strong impact within the England Talent Programme and the World Class Performance Programme. Her ability to drive performance and build environments where athletes and staff can thrive makes her uniquely positioned to lead England Judo into this next chapter.

“We are thrilled to appoint Jenny Close as Team Leader for England Judo at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Jenny is an exceptional leader whose passion, integrity, and experience embody everything we stand for as a team. Her journey through multiple Olympic and Paralympic Games, and her continued commitment to developing talent, make her an inspiring force for our athletes and staff alike. As we prepare to take on the Commonwealth’s best, we know that with Jenny at the helm, England Judo will be guided by excellence, unity, and the unwavering belief that we can achieve something truly extraordinary.”
— Garth Illingworth, Chair of England Judo

Jenny’s appointment comes at a pivotal time, as preparations intensify for a Games that will bring together over 70 nations and territories in a celebration of sport, culture, and ambition. With her leadership and the strength of the judo community behind her, England is poised to once again shine on the Commonwealth stage.

The news follows JudoScotland and Team Scotland’s announcing the appointment of Katrina Downie as the Team Scotland Judo Team Manager.

Stay tuned for more updates as the road to Glasgow 2026 continues.

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