Oatley local Jonathan Harris was thrilled when asked to join Colin Harrison and Stephen Churm in Florida, the United States for the 2012 IFDS World Disabled Sailing Championships. Placing fourth in the 3-person keelboat event, they were just two points from achieving a podium finish.

Despite such an encouraging result, Jonathan, Colin and Stephen only managed sixth place at the London 2012 Paralympic Games with a score of 47.0.

Combining with Colin and Beijing bronze medallist Russell Boaden, Jonathan won two bronze medals and a silver at the 2013, 2014 and 2015 IFDS World Disabled Sailing Championships,

Dominant throughout their Rio 2016 Games campaign, they placed first in three races and second in four to win their first ever Paralympic gold medal and be named a part of Paralympics Australia’s Paralympic Team of the Year.

When Jonathan was 16-years-old, he was fooling around with chemicals he found in his high …

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Date of birth
31 October 1955
Sport
Para-sailing
Past Paralympic Games

London 2012, Rio 2016

Impairment
Physical Impairment – Limb loss and nerve damage (hands)
How acquired
Chemical explosion
Residence
Oatley, NSW
Occupation
Importer of luxury catamarans
Started competing
1965
First competed for Australia
2002
Sport career highlights

Competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

Greatest sporting moments

Winning race one at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

Heroes/role models

Peter Blake

Disciplines

  • Sport: Para-sailing Discipline: 3-person keelboat (Sonar) Classification: 6

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