Jonathan
Harris

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 school science lab when a jar of flash powder exploded, causing injuries to both his hands.

Though sailing became more difficult following the accident, Jonathan found ways to manage, and in 2002 he made his international debut at the IFDS World Disabled Sailing Championships in Medemblik, the Netherlands.

In 1983 and 1985 the grandfather-of-one, who owns a business importing luxury catamarans, competed in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and in his spare time enjoys cycling and skiing.