Jody Cundy

Started: Previously a Paralympic swimmer, he made the transition to cycling in 2005. (telegraph.co.uk, 26 Aug 2011) Reason: He was invited to a trial day at Newport Velodrome, where his potential was quickly identified. He had always had an interest in the sport since watching Chris Boardman win gold at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. (paralympics.org.uk, 28 Jun 2012; telegraph.co.uk, 26 Aug 2011) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (bbc.com, 19 Oct 2023) Awards: He was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire [CBE] in the 2022 New Year Honours list. He had previously been named Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire [OBE] in 2017 and Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire [MBE] in 2009. (bbc.com, 01 Jan 2022; paralympic.org, 31 Dec 2016; skysports.com, 21 Aug 2011) Additional Info: TELEVISION APPEARANCE In 2019 he featured on the British television show 'Strictly Come Dancing', where celebrity participants are paired with professional dancers in a dance contest. "I was coming straight out of the [2023] world championships, where I had won a gold and a silver medal, so it was nice to continue that support and just spread the word about how amazing the Paralympics are and how much Paralympic athletes are doing." (bbc.com, 19 Oct 2023) TEAM FOUNDER In 2010 he set up the Para-T Cycling Team, which is made up of elite Para cycling athletes and aims to promote Para sport in Great Britain. "When you are on the track it is you against the clock. Day in day out you push yourself to the absolute limit, constantly redefining what your body can do." (LinkedIn profile, 03 Nov 2023; Facebook page, 16 Jan 2020; goskyride.com, 02 Apr 2012; independent.co.uk, 30 Jan 2012)