A Loughborough GB&NI Para-Athlete has been back to school to reunite with the teacher who introduced him to athletics, as part of a campaign to inspire a new generation of young athletes and demonstrate to them that nothing is impossible.
Thomas Young MBE, 24, a T38 sprinter and gold medallist, visited Whitwick St John The Baptist Primary School in Coalville to meet his former teacher James McMillan, take part in sports lessons with pupils and answer their questions on what led to him being a successful athlete.
The visit was arranged by Irwin Mitchell, which has teamed up with British Athletics to highlight the amazing stories of the nation’s GB&NI para-athletes, while showing young people how they can follow their example in their own lives.
It forms part of Irwin Mitchell’s Imagine campaign, which showcases how those who have experienced a life-changing illness or injury, have overcome challenges to help them start to imagine what’s possible.
Lisa Jordan, Regional Managing Partner at Irwin Mitchell said: “We’ve supported many clients over the years who have experienced serious injury and helped them face many challenges as they rebuild their lives.
“Sport has played a vital role for so many people we’ve worked with and Thomas’ story is another fantastic example of what can be achieved when people focus on what they can do.
“Thomas is an inspiration to so many people and we’re delighted to have partnered with him and British Athletics to see him inspire a whole new generation alongside his former teacher.
“We’re proud of our history of championing disability sport. Thomas and our other GB&NI para- athletes showcase the very best of what people can accomplish, the importance of inclusivity and in giving people the opportunities they need to show what they can achieve.”
Thomas began his sporting career being encouraged to take part in running events by Mr McMillan. Thomas was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 at the age of 12, a condition which affects his coordination and balance.
He went on to take part in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where he won gold in the men’s 100 metres. Thomas went on to win the 100 metres mixed class events at the British Athletics Championships.
Spending the day at Whitwick St John The Baptist School in Coalville, the three times European champion and double world silver medallist met Mr McMillan again, took part in a PE lesson and held a Q & A session, showing the children his medals, while outlining his own road to success.
Thomas said: “Mr McMillan was the first teacher to actually introduce me into athletics. I was in year 5 in 2010 and he introduced me into the 200 metres and the short sprints.
“I think I just hate giving up and I love to try to find possible solutions to try and fix things. Even though there are some things I can’t do, I love to focus on the things I can do and be the best I can be.”
“It’s been a really fun day. All the kids are really engaging. They all listened and reacted and asked really fun, exciting and interesting questions.”
There are 9.4m disabled people in England but only one in six takes part in sport regularly. The Imagine campaign from Irwin Mitchell is part of efforts to encourage more people to get involved.
