On the surface, her crowning glory is a world medal in 2017, atop her European medals from 3 consecutive editions, her 3 Masters medals, 9 grand slam and 21 grand prix medals and her 2014 Commonwealth title. It is a prolific career. Natalie is clear though that the medals all tell deeper stories and those are what she has learned from and enjoyed most.
“In my eyes there are a number of big achievements I am proud of, such as winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam in 2017 and becoming world number 1 off the back of it. Winning a bronze medal at the World Judo Masters in 2016 was also amazing as it secured my Olympic spot in Rio in 2016. All in all I have won 33 IJF World Judo Tour medals and all were special but I am really proud to have won world bronze in 2017, Wales’ first world medal in judo."
"There have been many memorable occasions along the way. Winning the Croatia Grand Prix in 2022 was one of them. It was my last IJF Tour event with my coach of 10 years, Darren Warner."
"Winning the Commonwealth Games title for Wales in 2014 was huge for me, an event I’d dreamed of winning as a child. Nobody from Welsh Judo had won the event previously. My whole family were there to support me, it was amazing. My mum & dad were also in the crowd when I won world bronze in Budapest.” Making family members proud is something many athletes describe when looking back at their careers, often before they think of the medals themselves. This is certainly Natalie’s way.
“There are so many things judo has taught me over the years. Perhaps the top 3 are: I’ve learned that you are capable of so much more than you think; hard work and perseverance are never wasted even though they might not lead you where you thought you were heading - they will lead you where you’re meant to be; your environment shapes you so surround yourself with positive, like minded people who support you, share your values and are ready to grow with you.”
The question all retiring elite athletes are asked is, ‘what do you plan to do next?’ Natalie hasn’t yet defined it but she is relaxed and looking forward to it all, “I plan to stay in the sporting world. I recently started a role for Wales Golf working with the Pathway & High Performance team which is really exciting. I’m also coaching at Cardiff Judo Academy which I’m enjoying a lot. Working with younger athletes and helping them develop is something I’m passionate about.”
We already know that once Natalie has put her mind to something, she commits fully. Whatever she does next, it is bound to be a great success. Congratulations and safe passage, Natalie.