Team GB Paralympics Profiles - Jody Cundy

Today we look at one of Team GB’s more experienced athletes, Jody Cundy. Jody was born with a deformed right foot but at 3 years old he had the foot amputated, and he was fitted with a prosthetic leg. But he didn’t let this stop him. Jody began as a swimmer (having lessons at the age of 5), and slowly made his way through the youth leagues. He made his debut at the World Championships in 1994, winning gold in the 100m butterfly. He attended the 1996 Paralympic games in Atlanta again winning gold in the butterfly. He defended his title in Sydney 2000 whilst picking up another gold in the 4×100 freestyle relay and a bronze in the 100m backstroke. After a bronze medal in Athens, Jody began to explore the idea of switching sports.

After impressing coaches at a test in the Newport Velodrome, He was selected for track cycling at London 2012. But he missed out on a medal after slipping out of the starting gate and then being refused a restart. After a few choice words to show his displeasure at the decision, Jody had to give it up and concentrate on his other races. He did go on to win bronze in the individual pursuit. He will be hoping for more medals in the velodrome this games.

In 2011 Jody set up the cycling team Para-T to raise awareness for disability sport.