OH, WHAT A MOMENT! The Unexpected Star Who Captivated the Closing Ceremony

Groundbreaking UK Model Claims Silver in Para-Canoe

Jack Eyers, a trailblazing UK model who made history seven years ago as the first amputee to win the prestigious Mr England title, has now added Paralympic medallist to his accolades.

The 35-year-old para-canoeist secured a silver medal in the men’s va’a single 200m (VL3) event, finishing with a time of 47.87 seconds.

Eyers was born with proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), a condition that impacted his right hip, knee, and femur.

This situation left him feeling “very embarrassed” and “very ashamed” of the appearance of his leg.

Although doctors advised him to wait until age 18 for an amputation, he successfully persuaded them to perform the procedure above the knee when he was just 16.

Upon entering the modelling world, Eyers quickly realised that there was a significant lack of representation for models with disabilities.

“My aim was to challenge the prevailing perceptions surrounding disability,” Eyers remarked.

“I’m proud to say I was among the first amputees to break into that arena, at a time when it wasn’t very commonplace.”

“Now, it’s increasingly common to see models with disabilities on runways, whether in wheelchairs or as amputees.”

He acknowledged feeling “very nervous initially because you’re unsure of others’ reactions”.

“Some able-bodied models definitely weren’t thrilled about it,” he shared.

“Fashion designers and runway producers were resistant to the concept, as they viewed the catwalk akin to ballet, requiring models of similar shape and height.”

“We were reshaping that narrative, and I believe, for the better.”

Eyers expressed sheer delight at his silver medal win in Paris.

“I’m incredibly proud and happy—this is a dream come true,” he said.