Can you believe it’s 4 years since London 2012 and the euphoria of the Olympic Games begin held in the British capital. In a matter of weeks representatives from pretty much every nation on the globe will be converging on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to compete in events from the Marathon to BMXing and Karate to Kayaking. One of the real highlights of the London Games was the emphasis, public demand and appetite for the Paralympics. One of the true stars who emerged from this event was Jonnie Peacock, or Jonnie Peacock MBE as I should call him, the inspirational sports star who won the 100m T44 final with a time of 10.90 seconds, claiming the gold and the Paralympic record in the process.
At just 22 Peacock is incredibly inspirational, not because of his disability, which in no way, shape or form, defines this athlete, but because of his star like quality, carisism and sense of humour. Jonnie was only 5 when he lost his right leg, below the knee after contracting Meningitis. But it’s been these admirable personality traits that have contributed to his winning ways and he’s gonna have to call on every possible jott of talent and mental steel to maintain his highly sort after Olympic Gold medal and record. This event will be the hottest ticket of the entire tournament with the likes of of local boy Alan Oliveira running on home turf and motor mouth and Jonnie’s biggest rival, American Richard Browne, snapping at his heels to take Gold.
Peacock prides himself on never letting or seeing his disability as a disadvantage and continues to break down taboos and stereotypes. So much so this season he makes history by becoming the first Paralympian to front a menswear fashion campaign.
Menswear retailer Jacamo has broken the mould by signing the gold medal-winning Paralympian to be the face of its Summer 2016 campaign, to help further promote body diversity and confidence. Particularly in the face of research carried out by the retailer which revealing a staggering 40% of men are not comfortable with the way they look.
What’s your favourite piece of clothing?
Black jeans. They’re my definite go to item and easy to put together with anything.
Have you ever bought a piece of clothing and regretted it?
Yes, the deep V vest I wore on holiday a few years ago. I look back and shudder.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given and by whom?
‘Just run a bit faster’ by an anonymous fan (possibly my Mum).
If you could give your teenage self-advice, what would it be?
Ha Ha, I was only a teenager 3 years ago so it would be a very recent conversation!! It would probably be something along the lines of commit more to the things you care about, but then again, being a teenager is all about trying different things and winning and losing isn’t it?
What piece of clothing would you relegate to Room 101?
My deep V vest. See previous answer. Horrific!
What music are you listening to at the moment?
Current pop, last year was the year of Bieber and surely its all about Zayn this year!
What is your most memorable moment?
It has to be London 2012. To win Paralympic Gold in front of a home crowd was an absolutely awesome feeling.
What are you most excited about at the moment?
I can’t wait to get to Rio and compete at the 2016 Olympic Games.
