Paralympic Gold Medalist Joins Air Ambulance as Ambassador

A Paralympic gold medalist is trading his judo mat for a new mission: supporting the lifesaving charity that was there when his family needed it most.

Chris Skelley MBE, who won gold in judo at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, just became an ambassador for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity. The announcement comes as he retires from elite competition, ready to channel his athletic determination into community service.

This isn't just a ceremonial role for Chris. He and his wife Louise have personal experience with the charity's critical care, though they've kept those details private. Now they're both ambassadors, working together to raise awareness and funds for the organization that serves their community.

Diagnosed with oculocutaneous albinism at 19, Chris has faced vision difficulties since childhood. That didn't stop him from representing Great Britain at the highest levels of Paralympic judo. His journey from visual impairment to the Olympic podium now fuels his passion for coaching and mentoring others.

"Since stepping away from elite competition, I've been passionate about using my experiences to inspire others and promote inclusion," Chris said. He sees his platform as a way to show how resilience and proper support help people reach their potential.

Why This Inspires

Chris could have simply enjoyed retirement after years of grueling training and competition. Instead, he's choosing to lift others up. His approach to giving back mirrors his athletic career: focused, determined, and all in.

The charity operates up to 19 hours daily, 365 days a year, delivering critical care by land and air across Wiltshire and Bath. It runs entirely on public donations, making ambassadors like Chris and Louise vital to its survival.

Barbara Gray, the charity's chief executive, called it a natural fit. Chris has already supported their events for years, representing Great Britain while giving back through mentoring and public speaking. Now he'll help spread the word about their lifesaving work to even more people.

For someone who spent his career overcoming obstacles to reach the podium, supporting a charity that shows up when seconds matter feels like the perfect next chapter.