Team Forces is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of Jon White, ex-military and para-athlete, who has once again shown that resilience, determination, and grit can overcome any obstacle.
Fresh from his European Championships success, Jon travelled to the World Championships where he delivered an outstanding performance—claiming gold in his classification and securing 4th place in the Open Paracanoe Race overall, competing against some of the very best in the sport.
Despite a challenging build-up marked by injury setbacks, illness, and logistical hurdles, Jon showed his trademark strength and determination. His preparation was anything but smooth: a fall at the Exeter Haslar Marathon left him battling pain in his amputated arm, followed by a difficult SurfSki race on the south coast. Soon after, another fall caused stump pain in his leg, forcing him into recovery. As if that wasn’t enough, food poisoning struck just days before a key race in Cornwall. Yet through it all, Jon kept training, adjusting, and finding ways to come back stronger.
By the time the World Championships arrived, Jon had regained his peak fitness. With meticulous planning—balancing work, travel, and training—he delivered when it mattered most. His 4th place in the Open event demonstrated his ability to go toe-to-toe with the very best, while his surprise gold medal in classification was a powerful recognition of his talent and the future potential of his category in the Paralympic programme.
Reflecting on his journey, Jon wrote:
“I raced as well as I could, my average pace was what I’d expected, the other athletes were just quicker, but the margins are achievable. I’m feeling good, injury free, and highly motivated. I’m now excited for an autumn of SurfSki training and racing, giving me a great platform for my sprint training to begin in December. Thanks again for all your support!”
Jon’s Road to LA28
With his eyes firmly set on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Jon has laid out a clear roadmap:
- 2025 – Build all-round fitness across multiple disciplines including marathon, SurfSki, and sprint racing. End the year with an international SurfSki racing tour in Australia and Hong Kong, before shifting focus to LA-specific sprint training in December.
- 2026 – Aim for selection at the European Sprint Championships, while continuing to use cross-discipline racing for conditioning.
- 2027 – Target a World Championship medal and a Paralympic Games qualifying time.
- 2028 – Compete at the World Championships and strive for selection to represent Great Britain at the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Inspiring Others On and Off the Water
Alongside his athletic ambitions, Jon will embark on a speaking and racing tour across the United States, Australia, and Hong Kong, sharing his story of resilience and determination to inspire others.
ABOUT JON WHITE
Jon White’s journey from a Royal Marine to a top-level para-athlete and inspirational speaker showcases extraordinary resilience and determination.
Raised in a military family, Jon was inspired by his father, John, a 25-year Royal Marines veteran. At 14, Jon set his sights on becoming a Royal Marine, a goal he pursued relentlessly. Jon began training at the Royal Marines Young Officer Training in September 2002, aged just 19. His career included roles such as Troop Commander and Company Second-in-Command, and he later specialised as a Mountain Leader—one of the most demanding roles in the Corps. His final command was leading the 40 Commando Reconnaissance Troop.
In June 2010, Jon’s life changed while on patrol in Afghanistan when he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device, losing three limbs. This life-altering event marked the beginning of a new chapter defined by grit, determination, and an unwavering will to succeed.
Jon turned his focus to para-athletics, quickly becoming a celebrated competitor in Marathon Canoeing and Ocean Racing Canoeing. Representing Great Britain internationally, he has achieved milestones that few could imagine. A defining achievement came in April 2012 when he completed the legendary Devizes to Westminster Kayak Race alongside Colour Sergeant Lee Waters RM in just over 28 hours, winning the prestigious Gluckstein Trophy.
Today, Jon continues to inspire both on and off the water, not only as an elite athlete but also as a speaker who embodies resilience and determination.
At Team Forces, we are proud to support Jon on this journey. His courage, determination, and pursuit of excellence are values that resonate deeply with the Armed Forces community and beyond.
