Talking with Thomas Young
13 July 2026
The Road to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Thomas Young is a British 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 2024, World Bronze in 2025 and three times has been crowned European T38 100M Champion. In 2022 he was awarded an MBE for his services to Athletics. We are delighted that Thomas, who is diagnosed with NF1, continues to support the NF community as a Patron of Nerve Tumours UK.
Thomas is currently preparing for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and will in fact be running his heats and final on his 26th Birthday on 27 July! Stay tuned this summer when Thomas will be raising the flag for Team England and the NF Community.
2026 - Key Events in Preparation to Glasgow
IFAM (International Friends Athletics Meeting) in Brussels 23 May, 100m
"10.95 in Brussels, sub 11 and my quickest time ever in May!"
UK Athletics Championships, Alexander Stadium Birmingham, 21 June, Ambulant 100m, 10.79s Heats, 10.95s Final
"Title defended and 3 x 100m British Champion, my first time in the 10.70s! What a day, can’t wait to see what can happen next!" photo credit: Peter Milson
Novuna London Athletics Meet 2026 Stratford London Stadium 18 July
10.91 Equal PB for Thomas on the warm up track and the final race before the games! - photo credit Stratford Speed
Upcoming events 2026
- 27 July Commonwealth Games, Glasgow
- 9 August Stratford Speed, London
- 23 August Silesia Diamond League, Poland
The World of Para Sport
Watch a series of videos by our Patron Thomas Young MBE where, across a 10 part series, he introduces us to the world of para sport.
Video Index
1. My impairment NF1
2. How I got into sports
3. What can sport do for you?
4. Is there a sport for me?
5. How do I find out my classification?
6. What are classifications?
7. How do I access para sport?
8. Advice for parents of a child with a disability
9. What can sports clubs do for disabilities?
10.What can events do for disabilities?
11. Is para sport for everyone?
Community Champions
Tristan 18, who has NF1
Jen, who has NF1
Joy, who has NF1
Safiya, who has NF1
Talking with Thomas Young
Thomas Young MBE says "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 para sport; 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 says "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."
– Laura"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 [which] impairments place on people transform into strengths, [becoming where] they can truly excel. We hope his series inspires people to explore what's possible and helps them find their place in sport."
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
"Sport isn't just about physical fitness or competition, it's a gateway to confidence, community, and self belief"
Laura Hillyard, Founder, YAura Agency
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 part in sport gave me confidence."
"Sport, cycling, running, swimming, and now hiking helps me to clear my head and keep active. It’s a great way to relieve stress and challenge yourself. The first step (or length or pedal!) is always the hardest, but once that is out of the way, you can do anything."
"Running has supported my mental health and given me strength in my fight against NF. When I run, I can forget everything else, I can just be me"
"(I'm) determined to make a difference. This year, I also took part in the 5K Race for Life, which I proudly dedicated to all NF1 heroes"
Everybody is born a Champion
NTUK & RBH's 3rd campaign features GB Paralympian Thomas Young, who has NF1, and celebrates those living with NF
Find out more
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