Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, who won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics and bronze in Paris, delivered a deeply personal speech during the college’s graduation celebrations on Friday (16th October), revealing how he overcame one of the darkest periods of his life.
The former British judo star spoke openly about the struggles he faced in the months leading up to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, when he began questioning his own worth and feared he would not recover from his mental health difficulties.
“In 2024, I went through hell,” he told the audience, describing the negative thoughts that had dominated his life.
He revealed how difficult things had become, including reaching a point where he told his wife Louise that he no longer wanted to be alive.
“To be able to say that to my wife, to tell her that I don’t want to be here anymore, was the hardest thing I ever had to do,” he said.
Skelley credited his wife, mother, family and friends with helping him through that period, describing how he eventually overcame the voice in his head telling him he was not good enough.
“So when I stepped onto that mat in Paris, that fight was easy,” he explained, having already faced what he considered the hardest battle of his life.
The Paralympian, who has lived in Wroughton, first made sporting history by winning gold in the men’s under-100kg judo competition at the Tokyo 2020 Games, held in 2021.
Skelley, who began losing his sight as a teenager and was subsequently diagnosed with oculocutaneous albinism, retired from competitive judo in February 2025.
He has since turned his attention to sharing his experiences with others, particularly young people who may be struggling with their own challenges.
He told the audience how daunting it had been to leave behind the sport that had shaped so much of his life, but said taking that step had opened up opportunities to try new things and help other people.
His message to the graduates was that courage was not simply about winning medals or achieving success, but about being willing to take chances, acknowledge difficulties and keep moving forward.
“Be honest with yourself, and just try your best. That’s all we can do,” he said.
He finished by congratulating the students on their achievements, telling them:
“I am so proud of you all.”
“And just be brave.”
The speech formed part of a day of celebrations at New College Swindon’s Queens Drive campus, where students completing higher education qualifications were recognised alongside their families, friends and teaching staff.
The University Centre organised three ceremonies throughout the day, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, celebrating students who have completed their studies across a range of disciplines.
Among those celebrating were beauty graduates Freya and Tia, who spoke to Swindon24 outside the college after receiving their diplomas.
Both said they were delighted to have completed their courses despite finding parts of the training challenging.
Freya now hopes to open her own salon in the future and work as a full-time beauty therapist, while Tia is also aiming to establish a career working in a salon.
Another graduate, Phoebe, who completed a Level 4 qualification, has ambitions of opening her own salon in Swindon while also providing mobile beauty services.
She said she had thoroughly enjoyed her course, praising her teachers and the support she received.
Asked about her long-term ambitions, she replied: “Be rich, be successful, have a good life.”
For Amy Marlow, who completed a Diploma in Education and Training, the ceremony represented the culmination of a lengthy and rewarding journey.
Amy also addressed fellow graduates during the celebrations, thanking the college and those who had supported the students through their studies.
“I’m absolutely elated today. It’s just been such a journey,” she told Swindon24 afterwards.
She described the joy of being reunited with fellow students after working towards their qualifications together.
Amy, who is already teaching, said she hopes to develop her professional practice further, particularly in the area of inclusion.
She also highlighted the importance of having higher education opportunities available within Swindon, allowing people to develop their careers without having to leave their hometown.
“I think it just helps to see where you could go, and that it doesn’t mean that you have to leave home or something familiar,” she said.
The graduate was particularly pleased that students had been involved in helping to deliver the celebrations, including some of her former catering students.
“I’m so glad that it’s also been very student-led. Some of my catering students from last year were doing the event, and that was so nice to see,” she said.
“Thank you to everyone that’s been involved today. It’s made it very special for us.”
New College Swindon received University Centre status in 2023, expanding the profile of its higher education provision and providing opportunities to study for qualifications including Higher National Certificates, diplomas, foundation degrees and degree-level awards.
It works with university partners including Oxford Brookes University and the University of Gloucestershire, offering local routes into higher education across a wide range of subjects.
Friday’s celebrations once again recognised the achievements of students of different ages and backgrounds, many of whom are now preparing to take the next steps in their careers.
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