Paralympian Jonnie Peacock: 'Don't let anything hold you back'

Paralympian runner Jonnie Peacock, who was awarded an MBE in 2013, has revealed how he built a "solid foundation of resilience over the years" and says "this is what has kept me going".

For him determination is key, with his parents embedding this in him from an early age.

As a child, living with his parents and sister just outside of Cambridgeshire, he had dreamt of being a footballer but he faced an obstacle that would change the course of his life forever. In 1985, at the age of five, Jonnie contracted meningitis which saw him lose a leg.

At school Jonnie threw himself into everything, playing all sports and not holding back. In the hospital that fitted his prosthetic leg he found out about disability sport and was directed to a Paralympic sports talent day. In 2012 Jonnie won a gold medal, crowned a Paralympian at only nineteen years of age.

He is now working with Qube Learning, which runs apprenticeships and traineeships, to help inspire others to actively change their lives despite any disadvantages they may have in life.

He says: “I have built a solid foundation of resilience over the years, and I believe this is what has kept me going. When I was still at studying, I struggled to walk when my stump was sore so my mum would help carry me to school, I didn’t want to give in.

“Finding my inner voice that was telling me ‘I can do it’ allowed me to put the effort and time into getting to where I am now. It wasn’t an easy route, but it was the right one. Not a day goes by when I don’t look around and see where my determination has got me, I feel lucky but then remind myself it’s not luck it was me who conditioned my mindset to believe in my abilities.”

“I was the child whose life could have taken a very different path, but I decided I am worthy and will make something of myself and that’s what I did.”

He believes that how we perceive achievement is slowly changing. “It isn’t about who you know, how much money you have, where you live or who your parents are - the world now has the chance to change this attitude and I believe in many areas of life this is happening.

“To look at unlocking true potential, like Qube Learning, will engage unseen demographics who deserve to be seen whether it be at work, studying, with friends or family, they have the right to thrive just as much as anyone else.”

Jonnie has been instrumental in changing people’s perceptions of those with disabilities. But if he hadn’t gone into sport, he would have pursued a career as a mechanic, saying: “It’s not always about the traditional exams and accreditations that will get you where you want to go. Just enjoy what makes you get out of bed in the morning, keep positive and don’t let anything hold you back.”

Jonnie is taking part in a virtual awards ceremony for students from Qube Learning on 14 October