Jon-Allan’s cycling journey began just 10 weeks after having his arm amputated due to injuries suffered in an attack at the Basra Air Station in August 2017.
It was while he was still recovering at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Hedley Court in Surrey when he first made contact with British Cycling at a Paralympics GB talent ID day in Loughborough.
After being selected the former RAF Weapons Technician went on to set a world record in the c5 kilo at the 2011 World Championships before he made his Paralympic debut at the London Paralympics in 2012, where he collected three silver medals in the C4-5 Kilo, C5 pursuit and mixed team sprint.
Jon-Allan went on to be part of GB’s mixed team sprint squad at the Rio Paralympics in 2016 alongside Jody Cundy and Louis Rolfe, which is where he topped the podium to become the first former British servicemen to win a Paralympic gold.
In his 11-year successful career, he also won four World Championship gold medals, complemented by six other World Championship medals.
From the very start of his journey, Blesma were proud to support Jon-Allan with his cycling ambition and following his success at the London Paralympics, Jon-Allan became a Blesma Ambassador in 2014, championing the Association’s programme of cycling events for Members.
He has now chosen not to continue towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, which were postponed to next year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He told his social media followers;
"It has been a really difficult and challenging year. The pandemic provided new challenges and a new normal for all of us. I have struggled to find motivation through this and when the Tokyo games delay was announced I questioned my desire to carry on. I have been very fortunate to have been able to compete at this level for as long as I have. Two Paralympic Games, one Paralympic gold, three silvers at home games, four world titles and numerous world records. I’m very proud in what I have been able to achieve and I have enjoyed my time reflecting on my career. I have had the pleasure of working with some truly amazing and influential people who have helped make it all possible. Thank you to all of the support staff, coaches and team mates that have been part of my journey. My finest hour has to be winning the team sprint at Rio and it was an honour to ride with Jody and Louis. I wish all of my team mates all the very best in Tokyo and beyond.
As this chapter closes, I open another. I now look forward to exploring some exciting opportunities that are on the horizon. JAB"
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