Jonathan YOUNG (GBR)
United Kingdom
Age:
41 years
Languages:
English
Federation:
PADDLE UK
Biography
Further Personal Information
NICKNAME
Jonny
PLACE OF RESIDENCE
Nottingham
OCCUPATION
Athlete
HIGHER EDUCATION
University of Hertfordshire
WHEN/WHERE DID YOU START CANOEING/ KAYAKING?
Age 9 at a local pool and then club
REASON FOR TAKING UP THE SPORT
I was introduced through friends who already went along, but was keen to get involved as I already loved all things outdoors and was very early on recreationally paddling. After to sustain a spinal injury, I was keen to take up sports full-time to aid my rehabilitation, when British Canoeing invited me to get involved with the paracanoe programme.
HOBBIES
Favourite Film - Point Break/Gladiator/Braveheart
Interesting Fact - I cycled across North America before breaking my back
Perfect Day - Good food, good company and a healthy dose of outdoors
HOBBIES
skiing, climbing, paddling!!!
NAME OF COACH
Matt Lawerence
NATIONALITY OF YOUR COACH
British
SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU BEEN COACHED BY HIM/ HER?
August 2013
TRAINING REGIME
Full time! Water and gym sessions six days a week.
SENIOR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT YEAR
2014
SENIOR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT COUNTRY
Germany
SENIOR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT COMPETITION
European Championships
SENIOR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT LOCATION
Brandenberg
MEMORABLE SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT
My first race was a national competition, just three weeks after I had started training with the British Squad. Placing second in the race just two seconds behind the World Silver Medalist, Nick Heald, filled me with confidence that I had a future in the sport!
MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN CAREER
My wife
SUPERSTITIONS/ RITUALS/ BELIEFS
Acknowledge and have respect for who I'm competing against.
FAVOURITE PADDLING COURSE
I have fond memories from Moscow.
FAVOURITE FOOD
All of it!!!
FAVOURITE MUSIC
Chilled out acoustic stuff
AMBITIONS
I started with the British Paracanoe program because they saw potential in me to win a gold medal in Rio. I'm also intent on fulfilling my rehabilitation potential, whatever that might mean?!
AWARDS AND HONORS
World Paddle Awards, Team award with British Paracanoe
CLASSIFICATION
KL3
SPORTING RELATIVES
George Best's sister is married to my dad's cousin.
