S2E6: w/ Jon White - World Champion Para-athlete and the road to Paris 2024

Jon White is a para-canoeist and was the first para-athlete in an ICF event, has represented Great Britain at several world championships winning many medals, and recently won two Gold medals at the 2023 ICF Ocean Racing World Championships in Australia. He lives by “a strong will and a sharp mind can overcome almost anything”.

In this episode, Jon discusses his competitive journey and how he rediscovered his passion for paddling after experiencing a life changing injury in the Royal Marines where he lost three limbs. We learned more about the prosthetic arm Jon uses for kayaking, and how he’s working with engineers get the design just right. Jon shares insights into his training routine, including the balance between flat water and ocean training, club paddles and solo sessions. Jon also recounts his 100-mile kayaking marathon on Christmas Day in 2022, raising over £15,000 and the strategies that helped him to stay focused during the challenge. We asked about the 2024 Paris Paralympics and hear what the selection process is like and how Jon is focusing his training.

The paddling community is supportive and inclusive. Getting out on the water can help many of us overcome personal challenges and find a sense of freedom and independence.

IG @jonwhite50