Scots Father Vies to Become First Snowsports Athlete with MND at Winter Paralympics
An inspiring Scottish father is paving the way to become the first snowsports athlete with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) to compete at the Winter Paralympic Games. Davy Zyw, 37, a former competitive snowboarder, has set his sights on the Winter Paralympics in 2026 after being given the green light by medical professionals to compete. Provided he qualifies through the tightly contested Parasport World Cup series, he will head to Milan for the games. If successful in qualifying, Davy would make history as the first Paralympian with MND to compete in snowsports and the first Paralympic athlete with the disease from the UK in any sport.
Despite being diagnosed with the condition at the age of 30, Davy has not let it deter him from pursuing his passion. In October, he became the first person with MND to participate in international para snowboarding, clinching two silver medals at the FIS Para Snowboard event in Dubai. His determination was further showcased with a 12th place finish in the second event in Holland, competing against previous Paralympic champions from Beijing 2022. To secure his spot in the FIS Para Snowboard World Cup series and qualify for Milan, Davy must accumulate enough points throughout the season.
While other athletes with MND, such as rower Nick Scandone and curler Cathy Cummins, have competed in the Paralympics before, no one has taken on the Winter Olympics with the disease. Davy, who had aspirations of becoming a full-time professional snowboarder, is now pursuing his dream with unwavering determination, raising over £1 million for MND causes, including the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Despite the challenges he faces with his condition affecting his hands and arms, Davy remains resolute in his goal to not only compete but also raise awareness about MND.
The road ahead for Davy includes participating in six competitions across Europe, with rounds in countries such as Finland, Austria, and Germany. Securing funding for his bid remains a hurdle, as he is self-funding his journey until he qualifies for the World Cup series. Supported by his twin brother Tommy, Davy has set up a Just Giving page to gather financial support to cover the £15,000 needed to attend the necessary races. Davy’s perseverance and dedication have already made an impact within the MND community, and his journey to the Winter Paralympics is set to inspire many.
In summary, Davy Zyw’s journey to become the first snowsports athlete with MND at the Winter Paralympics is a testament to his resilience and passion for the sport. Despite facing challenges due to his condition, Davy’s determination to compete at the highest level and raise awareness for MND serves as an inspiration to many. His efforts in fundraising and overcoming obstacles exemplify the spirit of a true athlete, ready to make history while advocating for a cause close to his heart.