Jaco Van Gass is an inspirational Paralympic athlete whose journey from a soldier to a decorated cyclist is a testament to resilience and determination. After joining the Parachute Regiment of the British Armed Forces in 2007, Jaco was severely injured during his second deployment in Afghanistan in 2009 when he was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. The attack resulted in the loss of his lower left arm, punctured internal organs, and leg fractures. Despite these life-changing injuries, Jaco has made a remarkable recovery and achieved extraordinary feats, such as becoming the first South African-born person to conquer Manaslu in the Himalayas in 2011 and undertaking a 335 km trek to the South Pole with Prince Harry for the charity Walking With The Wounded, raising £1.5 million in the process.
Since transitioning from the military, Jaco Van Gass has focused his interests on cycling, where he has achieved outstanding success. Initially, he claimed two gold medals at the Invictus Games and then went on to win bronze at the 2016 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships. His journey in cycling continued to flourish, and his current Paralympic medal tally stands at four golds and one bronze. At the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, Jaco added to his legacy by winning double gold, cementing his status as a leading figure in Paralympic sport. Additionally, Jaco has been crowned UCI Para-cycling World Champion eight times, alongside securing five silver and one bronze medals at the world championships.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Jaco has become a respected motivational speaker, inspiring audiences with his story of overcoming adversity, dealing with trauma, and facing challenges. His talks, enriched with his personal experiences of hardship and perseverance, are filled with charm, humour, and an unwavering determination that captivates his listeners. Jaco’s clients, ranging from multinational corporations like the Bank of America to Barclays and ITV, have been inspired by his ability to guide people on how to deal with setbacks and seize opportunities to improve their personal and professional lives.
Jaco Van Gass's incredible journey has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his services to cycling and his broader impact, he was appointed MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours. That same year, he published his book, "Unequivocal: My Story", where he shares his life story in a candid and inspiring voice. From climbing Mt Denali in Alaska to competing in the Race Across America and setting world records, Jaco continues to push boundaries, demonstrating that even the most significant obstacles can be overcome with courage and tenacity.
