Chris Hunt Skelley MBE

Paralympic Champion, Elite Athlete & Community Impact Leader

Chris Hunt Skelley embodies resilience, determination, and the power of adapting to life’s challenges. From being diagnosed with Ocular Albinism at 19 to becoming a Paralympic Champion, his journey inspires audiences worldwide. As a Tokyo 2020 Gold Medallist, Paris 2024 Bronze Medallist, and former World No.1 Judoka, Chris demonstrates how challenges can become stepping stones to extraordinary achievement. His recognition with an MBE for Services to the Community from King Charles underscores his impact both on and off the mat.

Expertise & Impact:

A decorated athlete in VI (Visually Impaired) Judo, Chris’s achievements include Paralympic Gold in Tokyo 2020, Bronze in Paris 2024, European Championship titles, World Championship medals, and a sustained World No.1 ranking in the 100kg category. Beyond athletics, he is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and disability rights, serving as an ambassador for Phoenix Enterprises and working alongside Dame Kelly Holmes’s mentoring programmes to transform young lives through sport.

Speaking Style:

Chris connects with audiences through authentic storytelling and humble wisdom, sharing his journey from a shy child to a Paralympic champion. His presentations blend personal challenges, sporting triumph, and practical insights about overcoming adversity, delivering powerful messages about resilience, inclusion, and the pursuit of excellence.

Signature Topics:

  • From Hull to Tokyo: The Journey to Paralympic Gold
  • Living with Hidden Disability: Navigating Life with Ocular Albinism
  • Elite Performance Under Pressure: Lessons from Paralympic Sport
  • Mental Health & Resilience: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
  • Inclusive Leadership: Building Strong Teams Through Diversity
  • Community Impact: Making a Difference Beyond Sport

Additional Expertise:

Youth Mentoring & Development

Mental Health Advocacy

Disability Awareness Training

Community Support Initiatives

Inclusive Sports Development

Motivational Speaking

Personal Development Coaching

Perfect for:

  • Corporate Leadership Events
  • Diversity & Inclusion Conferences
  • Youth Development Programmes
  • Mental Health Awareness Events
  • Sports & Performance Seminars
  • Community Impact Initiatives

Career Highlights:

  • Paralympic Gold Medal: Tokyo 2020
  • Paralympic Bronze Medal: Paris 2024
  • Former World No.1 Ranked Judoka
  • European Champion
  • Two-time World Championship Bronze Medallist
  • Multiple IBSA World Cup Silver Medals
  • UK Sport Social Impact Award Winner
  • MBE for Services to the Community
  • Ambassador for Phoenix Enterprises
  • Dame Kelly Holmes Programme Mentor

Key Message:

“Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. Success isn’t about avoiding obstacles – it’s about adapting and persevering through them.” I’m on a mission to make sport accessible having experienced first-hand how it can transform lives and provide a positive impact

Impact Story:

During lockdown, Chris demonstrated his commitment to community service by delivering food parcels to vulnerable community members, efforts that earned him the UK Sport Social Impact Award. This dedication to helping others, combined with his sporting achievements, led to his being honoured with an MBE by King Charles.

Please be aware if you wish to book Chris you must be willing to invest a four figure sum.