Talking with Thomas Young

Over the summer we'll be bringing to you a series of videos by our Patron Thomas Young where, across a 10 part series, he introduces us to his impairment and the world of para sport.

Thomas Young is a GB Para-Sprinter. He was crowned Paralympic T38 100m Champion at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, breaking the European Record in the process. He has won Paralympic Gold, World Silver in 2019 and three times been crowned European T38 100M Champion. In 2022 he was awarded an MBE for his services to Athletics.

This summer  he is preparing for the Para Athletics World Championships that will take place in New Delhi, India from 26 September to 5 October 2025.

Thomas is diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and a Patron to Nerve Tumours UK. 

Talking With Thomas Young

1. My Impairment NF1

Thomas Young MBE ' With the support of Nerve Tumours UK, I am delighted to be able to bring to the NF community and wider disability community an insight into the world of para sport and what it can offer to people with impairments. You don't need to aspire to be a Paralympian to do para sport, there is something out there for everyone and through this series I'm excited to be able to introduce classifications, how to access para sport, and what you can do to support people who want to access parasport; whether you are a parent or sports club. Para sport has changed my life and I want to be able to help others find out if it could change theirs too.'

Laura Hillyard Founder, YAura Agency, Management to Thomas Young 'Sport isn't just about physical fitness or competition, it's a gateway to confidence, community, and self belief. We often hear from disabled people who are yet to find their place in sport and from parents of young people with impairments who are unsure where to start. It became clear that generating a conversation that breaks things down and makes para sport more accessible was crucial.'

Abilities are defined not by what we can't do, but by how fiercely we show up. Sport can be the place where the limitations impairments place on people transform into strengths and wether they can truly excel. We hope his series inspires people to explore what's possible and helps them find their place in sport.'

World NF Day 17th of May 2025 Call Out 

Diagnosed with NF1:  overcoming disability? How did sport support you - what are your achievements?

Send your video or quote with a photo to info@nervetumours.org.uk

Tristan 18, who has NF1

"I refused to give up. My mum calls me her "NF1 Warrior" and I have worked hard to live up to that name . Being active and taking on sport gave me confidence."