British Paralympian John McFall has been announced as the world’s first disabled astronaut

British Paralympic sprinter John McFall has most recently been chosen as the first disabled astronaut by the European Space Agency. The 41-year-old sprinter, from Frimley in Surrey, has joined 16 men and women selected for ESA’s new series of astronauts in 13 years.

McFall said: “The opportunity was inspiring and exhilarating.” Chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “This is a momentous day for the UK Space Agency, our space sector and the country as a whole. “Space has an incredible power to inspire and I am sure John and others will become heroes for many young people and inspire them to shoot for the stars.”

No major Western space agency has ever sent a disabled person into space, McFall was selected by the ESA to join its training programme. More than 22,500 candidates applied and that list included more women than ever and some 200 people with disabilities.

McFall lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 19 in Thailand. Determined not to quit his passion for running, McFall took on the stewardship of former Welsh athlete Darrell Maynard and qualified for the 2005 IPC European Championships. He claimed bronze in the T42 200m and was placed on a funding programme, allowing him to become a full-time athlete.

At the 2006 IPC World Championships, he won silver in the T42 100m and bronze in the 200m. In 2007 he was ranked first in the 100m and second in the 200m in his category.

It was at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics that McFall achieved bronze in the T42 200m. Whilst an athlete John sat on UK Athletics Athlete Council where he was a voice and figure for fellow athletes on the World Class Podium Programme.

Shortly after, he retired to focus on a career in medicine and in 2014 he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the Cardiff University School of Medicine. He also became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in 2016 and is currently a Trauma and Orthopaedic Specialist Registrar working in the South of England.

In 2012, alongside his medical studies, john was a mentor for the innovative Paralympic Inspiration Programme. This project created and delivered by Paralympics GB, supported aspiring future Paralympians. Later becoming an ambassador and attaché for the International Paralympic Committee at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

During his time as a professional athlete, John secured several major awards including:

• IWASF World Champion 100m and 200m, International Amputee and Wheelchair Sports Federation, 2007.

• Paralympic World Cup Champion Champion 200m, and Silver Medallist 100m, International Paralympic Committee, 2007.

• World Silver Medallist 100m and bronze Medallist 200m, International Paralympic committee, 2006.

• European Bronze Medallist 200m, International Paralympic Committee, 2005.

• Paralympic Bronze Medal 100m at the Beijing Paralympic Games 2008.

Now set to become the first ever para-astronaut, McFall is a source of inspiration for many. John is married and has three children. His favourite sports are running and mountain biking, whilst his other interests include playing the guitar, travelling, carpentry and DIY.

UK science minister George Freeman said: “I’m so proud that we’ll be the first country to put a para-astronaut in space and show that space is indeed the new frontier. It’s a brilliant day for British science, and for British values.”