Jaco Van Gass MBE

Originally born in South Africa, Jaco van Gass moved to Great Britain to outlive his dream of joining the British Armed Forces.

After rigorous training, in 2007 Jaco was able to join the Parachute Regiment and was soon on tour in Afghanistan. Whilst on tour in 2009, Jaco and his regiment were involved in an intense firefight, where he was devastatingly hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). 

He sustained serious injuries which resulted in him losing his left arm at the elbow. He also survived a collapsed lung, punctured internal organs, a broken tibia, fractured knee, and shrapnel wounds.

Soon after, he was flown back home to recover. Jaco went through extensive rehabilitation and gradually rebuilt his life. Despite his career in the Army ending, this didn’t stop Jaco and he went on to become a first-class downhill skier and multiple marathon runner, including the Safaricom Half Marathon in Kenya, which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the world. 

Jaco was also a part of a team of wounded soldiers who trekked to the North Pole unsupported, alongside Prince Harry.

His aspirations didn’t stop there. While attending the velodrome at the 2012 London Paralympics as a fan, he was inspired to train and compete at the Paralympics. 

By 2013, Jaco was already a part of the GB Para-Cycling team, competing at the World Championships and in 2014 he won gold at the Invictus Games.

Fast forward to 2020-21 he was selected to represent Great Britain at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. He went on to become Double Paralympic Champion in the 3K Pursuit and the Mixed Team Sprint. He also won a Bronze medal in the 1K Time Trial.

Due to his dedication and services to cycling, Jaco was awarded an MBE in 2022 and we are sure he will go on to add to his ever growing list of medals.