Edinburgh Snowboarder Davy Zyw Makes History as First Man with MND at Winter Paralympics
In an extraordinary sporting achievement, a snowboarder from Edinburgh is set to make history next month by becoming the first man with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) to compete in a Winter Paralympics. Davy Zyw, aged 38, has been officially named in the ParalympicsGB squad traveling to Italy, marking a world-first milestone for a snowsport athlete with this condition.
A Groundbreaking Inclusion
While the USA's Cathy Cummins, who also suffered from MND, was named as an alternate for America's curling team in the 2014 Winter Paralympics, she never actually participated on the ice. This makes Zyw's inclusion particularly significant, as he will actively compete in the upcoming games. His condition, which typically has a life expectancy of two to three years from diagnosis, has already impacted his ability to perform simple tasks like zipping up his jacket or putting on gloves. Despite these challenges, Zyw has defied expectations by achieving recent podium success in Switzerland and Austria and participating in World Cup races in Canada.
From Diagnosis to Paralympic Dream
Zyw, who is not a full-time athlete, only decided to pursue the Games in the winter of 2024 after a conversation with his twin brother Tommy over dinner set the wheels in motion. Since then, he has forged ahead through crowdfunding and the support of his employer, Berry Bros & Rudd, with the aim of raising global awareness of MND. Diagnosed with the condition at age 30, Zyw will compete in the upper limb category in snowboard's banked slalom and boardercross events, another first for ParalympicsGB.
He told Daily Mail Sport that he is still 'trying to get his head around' being selected but admitted it is a 'dream come true' and a result of 'pushing through the impossible.' Reflecting on his diagnosis, Zyw said, 'I was 30 when I got the diagnosis and in my prime. It was a life-shattering experience, and I suppose it has allowed me to have a lot more focus, a lot more clarity about what I do and don't want to do in life.'
Inspiring Attitude and Community Support
Zyw emphasized his priorities: 'Spending time with my family, first and foremost, raising awareness for MND, and riding my snowboard, are all on the podium of how I want to spend my time.' He added, 'When you're given the life-changing news, I think being in that dark place is challenging. Everything looks impossible. What I found helpful for me is, when you're given the impossible news, the "you're going to be dead in a couple of years" sort of news, there's almost a freedom in there, because if you're living in the impossible, you can do anything.'
David Clark, Chief Executive of ParalympicsGB, described Zyw's inclusion as 'really, really special,' insisting he is sure the snowboarder will 'knock it out the park' in Cortina. Clark noted, 'It's an amazing thing when any athlete gets chosen for a Paralympics. But for Davy to do it through the process he has done it, with special conditions attached to it, is really really special. We couldn't be prouder to have him as part of the team.'
Focus on the Journey, Not Just Medals
ParalympicsGB has a medal target set by UK Sport of two to five medals, but Zyw remains humble about his own prospects. He stated, 'I've put all my chips, all my emotion, into this. I've been through injury, I've travelled a time away from my family, it's been a huge investment on every level for me this last year.' He expressed relief and joy at being confirmed as part of the team, adding, 'There's the relief, the jubilation, the joy of actually being confirmed as part of this amazing community, this amazing team to represent Great Britain, but also every soul living with motor neuron disease and neurological conditions on a global stage, you know, my cup is full. However, I've got a job to do now.'
Zyw concluded, 'I've got no expectations to get a medal, I'm just happy to be at the party. What I'm focusing on is the stuff in my control and that's being 100 per cent ready, in the right headspace, in the right frame of mind, in the right physical state to do my best when I can at the races. My competition I'm against, these guys are inspiring, they are so talented and I'm just happy to be in the mix.' His journey serves as a powerful inspiration, highlighting resilience and positivity in the face of adversity.
