Scots dad bids to become first snowsports athlete with MND at Winter Paralympics

Scots Dad Aims to Make History as First Snowsports Athlete with MND at Winter Paralympics

An inspiring Scots dad, Davy Zyw, is on a mission to become the first snowsports athlete with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) to compete at the Winter Paralympic Games. At 37 years old, Davy, a former competitive snowboarder, is eyeing the Winter Paralympics in 2026 after receiving the go-ahead from medical professionals. To qualify, he needs to excel in the tightly contested Parasport World Cup series, with his sights set on Milan. If successful, Davy would become the first Paralympian with MND to compete in snowsports, making history not only in his sport but also as the first UK Paralympic athlete with MND in any sport.

In a remarkable display of determination, Davy made waves in October by becoming the first person with MND to compete in international para snowboarding, clinching two silver medals at the FIS Para Snowboard event in Dubai. He continued his success by finishing 12th at the subsequent event in Holland, competing against past Paralympic champions from Beijing 2022. Despite his diagnosis at just 30 years old, Davy’s passion for snowboarding has never wavered. His perseverance and talent have shone through, with his best times trailing just 0.3 seconds behind seasoned para snowboarders like Slovakia’s Adam Kropka – signalling his readiness for top-level competition.

Reflecting on his journey, Davy expressed his gratitude, stating, “I thought I was going to be dead within two years when I was diagnosed in 2018, and here I am gearing up for a winter of snowboard racing – I feel incredibly lucky.” Davy’s dedication extends beyond the slopes, as he has devoted himself to raising over £1m for MND causes, notably supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Through gruelling endurance challenges like cycling 264 miles across the Scottish highlands and riding from Edinburgh to Rome, Davy has proven that his determination knows no bounds.

Despite the challenges posed by MND, Davy remains focused on his goal, aiming not only to fulfil his childhood dream of competing at the highest level in snowboarding but also to raise awareness for MND. His resilience and unwavering spirit have garnered support from his twin brother Tommy, who has been a pillar of strength. As Davy embarks on the next phase of his journey, facing six competitions across Europe, he acknowledges the financial hurdles ahead, with a funding target of at least £15,000 to attend the necessary races. While the path to the Winter Paralympics may be arduous, Davy’s determination and passion for his sport shine through, earning him the admiration and backing of the MND community and beyond.

Paul Thompson, Director of Fundraising at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, commended Davy’s extraordinary efforts, highlighting his exceptional resolve and unwavering commitment to the cause. With his sights set on Milan 2026, Davy’s journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

**Insights and Summary:**
Davy Zyw’s journey to become the first snowsports athlete with MND at the Winter Paralympics is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing the challenges of his condition, Davy’s unwavering passion for snowboarding and his commitment to raising awareness for MND drive him forward. His quest exemplifies the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and inspire others along the way. As Davy continues his pursuit of qualifying for the Winter Paralympics, his story serves as a beacon of hope and perseverance for all those battling against the odds.