Jonathan Young

2018 saw Jonny have a strong season in the K1 KL3 200m class. With a 5th place in World Cup 1 in Szeged, a 6th place in the European Championships in Belgrade and finishing off with an 11th place in the World Championships in Montemor O Velho.

In his first full season of racing in 2014 he won silver medals at the European and World Championships. However once the Paralympic boat classes were selected, he switched from Va'a to Kayak. This is a huge technical challenge and he has made great progress in a short time to finish 8th at the 2016 World Championships. Jonny finished second at the British Canoeing Paralympic selection trials to just miss out on selection for Rio 2016.

Before sustaining a spinal injury Jonathan was a multi-activity instructor, including kayak, canoeing, climbing and skiing. He even cycled across North America to raise money for charity.

While at Stoke Mandeville, he took part in the Inter Spinal Unit Games competing in every sport available to him. He recognised the importance of sport in his rehabilitation, so when he was discharged he looked to do sport full time. He attended a talent ID weekend for Paracanoe and was soon training full time for British Canoeing.

Being able to commit to the sport full time bore great results, not only measured in racing success but also in improvements with his mobility; initially he was mostly in a wheelchair, but now he uses only an ankle support and stick.