Dan Powell Crowned European Champion as Jack Hodgson Secures Silver in Tbilisi

Great Britain enjoyed a spectacular conclusion to the 2025 IBSA European Championships as World Champion Dan Powell completed a remarkable double, claiming the European title and cementing his dominance in the J1 -95kg division. Meanwhile, in the J2 +95 kg category, Jack Hodgson delivered an outstanding performance to earn a career-best silver medal at this event.

Dan Powell (Phoenix JC) is on a remarkable run of form and an undeniably dominant force in his weight category, extending his streak to 17 consecutive podium finishes after claiming gold to become the 2025 European Champion, just months after securing the World Championship title.

In doing so, he becomes the first British judoka since Ben Quilter in 2011 to hold both the World and European Champion titles simultaneously.

Powell’s impact on VI Judo cannot be understated. He has established himself as the face of the team in recent years, inspiring a generation of young visually impaired judoka to pursue the success he has achieved during his incredible career so far, and it doesn’t seem like that success is slowing down anytime soon.

Speaking on becoming the European Champion, Dan said, “If you had told me at the beginning of this year that I would be World and European Champion, I don’t think I would’ve believed you.

“I’m still getting used to the feeling of standing on top of a podium, but there is no prouder feeling than knowing you have won the gold medal for your family, your team, and your country — and hearing that special national anthem!

“I train hard and have done so for many years, and now with the experience I’ve got, I feel like I’ve got all the tools I need to take on any challenges on the mat.

“As I get older as an athlete, I still believe there is more to come.”

Congratulations, Dan, you continue to be an inspiration to everyone in the British Judo community.

For Jack Hodgson (Grimsby JC), this marked his first return to action since the World Championships, where he narrowly missed out on a medal with a 5th-place finish. He has now delivered his best-ever result at a European Championships, claiming a silver medal.

Hodgson has a vast amount of experience at the top level, and it’s fantastic to see him back on the podium at a major championship, an unbelievable achievement.

Reflecting on his result, Jack said, “A career-best medal at this level brings me so much pride. This medal doesn’t just belong to me, it belongs to my village, my team, my family, and my wife!

“I can’t wait to get home and put it around my little girl’s neck. It makes the hard times, the training, and the pain all seem worthwhile.

“The team out here is excellent, and you should expect big things from them all.”

Congratulations, Jack, an unbelievable result!

Their medal success follows on from Miles Soloman’s Silver Medal on Friday, and all three of their contributions have put Great Britain 2nd on the Men’s medal table at the 2025 European Championships, a great result for the team!

British Judo’s Paralympic Head Coach, Ian Johns, said, “I am so happy with the performance of the team – 5 best performances and 3 medals were incredible.

“To be World Champion and European in the same year is the stuff of dreams for Dan, and words cannot describe how proud I am of him.

“A special note to Jack, who has had so much going on in his life recently, including the birth of his second child, an incredible performance with brilliant judo.

“A couple of weeks off now for the team as we build towards the Brazilian Grand Prix in December.”

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