Team England athlete Thomas Young attended the Variety Disability Awards to support Commonwealth Sport's nomination for its commitment to integrated sport, but was surprised with a Sporting Icon Award, recognising his achievements on and off the track and his contribution to disability sport.
The surprise award recognised Thomas’ impact as one of Britain's leading para-athletes and a role model for the next generation. Earlier this year, he enjoyed a memorable Commonwealth Games campaign, winning Team England's first athletics gold medal, setting a championship record and doing so on his 26th birthday.
As a Commonwealth Games champion, Thomas has helped showcase the power of integrated sport, where para and non-disabled athletes compete side by side on the same stage.
Accepting the award, Young reflected on the power of sport to create opportunities and change lives:
"As a para-athlete, it is a privilege to accept this award, not just for but for a movement that continues to change lives through the power of sport.
Para sport is about far more than medals and records. It challenges perceptions, breaks down barriers, and shows the world what can be achieved when opportunity and talent come together."
Thomas also spoke about the importance of the Commonwealth Games' integrated format, which provides a platform for para and non-disabled athletes to compete side by side in front of global audiences.
"The inclusive format of the Games is something we all value enormously. It provides a platform for para sport to be showcased alongside able-bodied sport, in a mainstream setting, in front of new audiences.
That visibility matters. It has the power to challenge perceptions, inspire the next generation and encourage more people to discover and follow para sport long after the Games have finished."
Thomas concluded by dedicating the award to para-athletes past and present, recognising the role they have played in transforming both sport and society.
"Together, we are proving that when inclusion leads the way, everyone wins."
Everyone at Team England congratulates Thomas on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for continuing to be an outstanding ambassador for para sport, Team England and the wider Commonwealth Sport movement.
