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Newcastle para-cyclist Stuart Jones wins Spirit of Sport award

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The Olympics and Paralympics are often defined by rare moments of sportsmanship.

Think Abbey D’Agostino and Nikki Hamblin (2016 Rio), or Lutz Long (1936 Berlin), or even Judy Guinness (1932 Los Angeles) – their selfless acts are etched in the history books.

Now, you can add Newcastle Hunter Cycling Club’s Stuart Jones to the list.

The 52-year-old Paralympian was recently presented the NSWIS 7News Spirit of Sport award for encouraging South Africa’s Toni Mould during the T1-2 road race at the 2021 Tokyo Games.  

During the final climb, he slowed down – sacrificing his own position – to urge on his “rival”, who had fallen a lap behind the rest of the field.

“To be honest, and like I said on the night of the presentation, it was nice to be recognised,” Jones admitted.

“But, I didn’t see what I did as anything extraordinary.

“It was the right thing to do at the right time.

“My race was well and truly over then – I was competing for a minor place.

“I could have finished fifth or sixth, something like that, potentially, if I’d really flogged myself.”

Even though Jones, himself, played down the selfless gesture, I’m certain Mould appreciated it – especially in the “horrendous” weather conditions that confronted them.

His action also garnered rounds of applause when the pair eventually crossed the line.

“At that point in time, approaching the course as such, you came out on the flat bit before you started this two-to-three-kilometre hill climb,” he said.

“I could see two white vans up ahead and thinking to myself ‘what were they doing?’

“As I got closer, I realised they were following the other cyclist [Mould].

“Then instinct kicked in… I just rode up alongside her and said: ‘Come on, let’s go Toni!’

“She looked at me in utter shock,” Jones recalled with a laugh.

“And, because of her impairments, her speech isn’t clear.

“She’s looking at me and going ‘go, go! What are you doing?’

“I know you’re in the Paralympics, and you’re in a race, however I remained beside her and replied: ‘I’m not leaving, shut up’.

“I just laughed and stayed with Toni because – to be out there by yourself – she was well behind her competitors.

“I’m like, I’m here, let’s get up this hill together, let’s make life a bit easier for each other.

“And, we went from there.

Newcastle Hunter Cycling Club’s Stuart Jones received the 7News Spirit of Sport award.

“People mentioned afterwards it showcased the Olympic/Paralympic spirit.

“But, to me, it was two cyclists out on the road in horrendous weather.

“So, it’s no different to a club ride or a social ride up in Newcastle.

“Anywhere when one cyclist falls behind for whatever reason, you don’t leave them out there by themselves.

“You stay with them – even if you might be stronger or can go faster.

“I believe that attitude goes back to my days in the Infantry; you’re taught ‘don’t leave your mates behind’.

“I guess, no mental process went through my head at the time to say ‘let’s do this’.

“It was just second nature.”

Although he snared fifth in the men’s road time trial T1-2 and eighth in the men’s road race T1-2 at Tokyo, Jones remains pragmatic about his Paralympics debut.

“I have to admit, it was disappointing for a number of reasons,” he said.

“Firstly, we had to deal with COVID-19.

“We were locked down in our hotel, we had limited time to get out on the road or the track to train.

“You couldn’t even walk around anywhere.

“Secondly, the Australian para-cycling team was located closer to where the track and road racing took place.

“So, we weren’t in the Athletes’ Village.

“While our accommodation was ‘oh so much better’, we didn’t get the vibe of all the sportsmen and women around us.

“However, there was still – for me, who’s 52 – that surreal aspect of being there and saying ‘hey, I actually got here’.

“But, personally, my Paralympics campaign was a failure.

“I went there to medal.

“And, I didn’t.

“While I gave it everything I had, I did not come home with a medal, so I consider that a failure.

“When I began para-cycling, I set myself three goals – a national crown, a world title and the Paralympics.

“And, if I go to the Paralympics, I want to medal.

“There’s only one colour [I want].

“So, I’ve got some unfinished business – I’m aiming for Paris 2024.”

Stuart Jones of Team Australia competes in the men’s time trial T1-2 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Fuji International Speedway on 31 August 31. Photo: Getty Images

Jones acquired his injury in a motor vehicle accident while he was riding his bicycle to work at 7.30-7.45am on 16 January 2014.

He suffered a fractured skull, two cracked vertebrae in his spine and torn tendons in his hand.

Doctors initially feared the injury to his skull could claim his life.

In subsequent surgery to repair his spine, it was discovered that he had no movement down the right side of his body.

Jones was then told he would require a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Despite this advice, he defied the odds.

Using a special stationary bike, he began to regain movement in his knees.

Within a few weeks, he was using a standing frame, then a walking frame and then a walking stick.

Jones eventually contested the 2018 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in South Africa.

Twelve months later, he won bronze medals at two World Cups in the men’s time trial T2.

Then, at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, in the Netherlands, he claimed silver in the same event.

“I hate what’s happened to me,” Jones told the Newcastle Weekly.

“It’s never going to change but it gave me an opportunity to represent Australia and compete at the highest level, including the Paralympics.

“So, while it’s a horrendous thing and life-altering, there’s always a silver lining.

“It just depends on how you approach it.

“Para-cycling is one avenue where I feel normal.

“My accident, my age and what I’ve achieved hopefully shows people, regardless of how bad something’s been dished up to you, if you set your mind to it, you can still kick goals.

“And, that doesn’t mean you have to go to a Paralympics.

“It could be something as simple as going on a holiday or a 5km walk.

“Anything is possible.”

2021 NSWIS Awards winners

  • Powerade Male Athlete of the Year: Jack Hargreaves, Alexander Purnell and Spencer Turrin
  • Office of Sport Female Athlete of the Year: Jessica Fox and Madison De-Rozario
  • 7News Spirit of Sport: Stuart Jones
  • Southern Design Junior Athlete of the Year: Timothy Brand
  • Musashi Coach of the Year: Louise Sauvage
  • Sydney Olympic Park Authority Program of the Year: Canoe Slalom
  • Ian Thorpe AM Outstanding Achievement: Ellie Cole
  • Academic Excellence: Matthew Levy

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