Introduction
Jo Butterfield is a Scottish athlete who has made a name for herself in the world of Paralympics. She was born with a spinal condition that left her with mobility limitations, but that did not deter her from pursuing her passion for sports. After a successful career in netball, she turned to throwing and has since become one of the most accomplished Paralympic athletes in her field. Her journey to the top has been filled with challenges, but she has overcome them all with determination and a positive attitude. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Jo Butterfield’s inspiring journey and her triumphs in Paralympic sports.
Family and Early Life
Jo Butterfield was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1979, and grew up in the town of Milngavie. She was born with spina bifida, a congenital defect that affects the spinal cord’s development, and subsequently had to use a wheelchair to get around. Despite her condition, she was a determined child and developed a love for sports early on. Her parents encouraged her to pursue her interests, and she played netball and other sports while growing up.
Netball Career
Jo Butterfield’s first love was netball, and she played for the Scottish national team for nine years between 1996 and 2005. She was also a coach and umpire for the sport before she turned to throwing. She has said that netball taught her valuable skills that helped her in her Paralympic career, such as teamwork and leadership.
Discovering Throwing
Jo Butterfield discovered her talent for throwing at a talent identification event in Glasgow when she was 28 years old. She had never tried throwing before but quickly realized that she had a natural aptitude for it. Soon after, she began training with a coach and competing in local events, quickly making a name for herself in the sport.
Paralympic Debut in London 2012
Jo Butterfield’s first appearance in the Paralympic Games was in London 2012, where she competed in the discus and finished in seventh place. Despite not winning a medal, she said that the experience was a great learning opportunity and motivated her to work harder.
World Championship Success in Doha 2015
In 2015, Jo Butterfield won her first major international medal at the IPC World Championships in Doha, Qatar. She won the gold medal in the F51 club throw event, setting a new world record in the process. She was the only British athlete to win a gold medal at the event, and her victory was a significant moment for her career.
Paralympic Gold in Rio 2016
Jo Butterfield’s biggest achievement came at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she won the gold medal in the F51 club throw event. She set another world record with a throw of 22.81 meters and became the first Scottish athlete to win a Paralympic gold medal since 1984. She said that it was the “best day of her life” and dedicated the medal to her family and coach.
Retirement in 2018
Jo Butterfield announced her retirement from competitive throwing in 2018 due to ongoing health issues. She said that it was a difficult decision but that she was proud of everything she had achieved in her career. She has continued to support the Paralympic movement and works as an ambassador for Scottish Disability Sport.
Conclusion
Jo Butterfield’s journey to becoming a Paralympic champion is an inspiring story of perseverance, determination, and talent. Despite facing many challenges, she refused to let her disability hold her back and pursued her passion for sports, eventually becoming one of the most accomplished athletes in her field. Her achievements have inspired many young people with disabilities to believe that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
FAQs
Q1. What is Jo Butterfield’s disability?
A. Jo Butterfield was born with spina bifida, a congenital condition that affects the spinal cord’s development.
Q2. What sport did Jo Butterfield play before turning to throwing?
A. Jo Butterfield played netball for the Scottish national team before turning to throwing.
Q3. When did Jo Butterfield win her first major international medal?
A. Jo Butterfield won her first major international medal at the IPC World Championships in Doha in 2015.
Q4. What was Jo Butterfield’s biggest achievement in her career?
A. Jo Butterfield’s biggest achievement was winning the gold medal in the F51 club throw event at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Q5. When did Jo Butterfield retire from competitive throwing?
A. Jo Butterfield announced her retirement from competitive throwing in 2018 due to ongoing health issues.