JOHN ROBERTSON

Welcome to John's individual site. Here you will be able to get an insight into what it is like to be the helm of such a successful team. Follow the team's movements through John's comments and thoughts during their run-up to the 2008 Paralympics...

Watch this space!

John's Bio

John started sailing in 1983 in a ‘Mirror Dinghy’ from his home club in Sunderland. After sailing the Mirror for a number of years, he progressed into small keelboats, sailing Sonatas and Sigma 33s at both national and international level. He joined the Royal Air Force (“RAF”) in 1989.

During his time in the RAF, John developed his sailing team racing skills, competing in a number of national and international team racing events, while continuing to juggle his keelboat sailing commitments.

Unfortunately, John was involved in a motorcycle accident in 1994, which left him paralysed from the chest down. The accident meant John had to leave the RAF. However, owing to his sheer determination and drive, he rediscovered sailing in a Challenger Trimaran (a specifically designed sailing boat for paralympic athletes). John achieved considerable success in the trimaran, winning a silver medal at the British National Championships in 1996 as well as competing in numerous sailing invitational events across the country.

Following on from his success in the trimaran, John was invited to sail a Sonar in the European Championships in 1997. His early performances in the Sonar were described as ‘phenomenal’ by selectors. His natural ability to make the boat go fast earned him plaudits from paralympic sailors across the world. It was these performances in the Sonar that ensured his selection for the Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004.

On the boat, John is the helmsman. His job is simple: to drive the boat as fast as possible!

In January 2006, John created history by being the first helm to successfully defend the IFDS World Championship Title in the Sonar class. Still hungry for success, John has one aim for 2008: to win Paralympic Gold!

JOHN ROBERTSON

Thursday, 30 November 2006

Welcome

Blog Archive

John's Bio