Ian Johns, the head coach of our Paralympic squad, has been honoured with the UK Sport’s PLx Coach Award, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the high-performance sports community.

This award recognises a current coach who has challenged themselves to achieve exceptional and inspiring performances in the last year.

The nomination came directly from our Paris Paralympic Squad, comprised of athletes Dan Powell, Chris Skelley, and Evan Molloy, who have thrived under Ian’s guidance.

Coaching at the elite level is no small feat. It requires years of dedication, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of high-performance sports.

Over the past three Paralympic cycles, Ian has guided the team to an impressive haul of four medals: one gold, two silver, and one bronze.

It’s not uncommon to see Ian engaging directly with his athletes during practice – being thrown, pinned, and sparring with them as part of their rigorous training routines.

This level of involvement is not just a coaching strategy; it’s a reflection of his deep investment in their success.

He is not just a coach on the sidelines; he’s in the trenches with his team, ensuring they are as prepared as possible for every challenge they face both on and off the mat.

Following his acceptance of the award, Ian said, “We have smashed it – all the sports across the Olympic and Paralympics have.

“We have some of the most fantastic coaches in the world as part of the community.

“Winning this is ridiculous – I am just a kid from Scunthorpe!  

“I don’t think you can be a coach if you don’t care, and I care a lot. Caring comes in many different ways for the athletes, and it is not just me; my team is fantastic.

“My boss gambled on me ten years ago, so I feel very lucky to be here.”

Congratulations, Ian, on this well-deserved honour!

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