Zak Skinner

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Zak Skinner (born 16 October 1998) is a British Paralympic athlete, who competes in the 100m and long jump in the T13 classification.

Early career[]

Skinner grew up in Tonbridge and Malling. He was born completely blind before regaining some sight at the age of two.[1] He is coached by Aston Moore.[2]

Skinner's first accolades came in 2016, winning gold medals in the IPC England 100m, 200m and long jump in the age-groups categories, and winning gold and bronze in the senior long jump and 400m respectively.[3]

In 2017, Skinner came 4th in the T13 long jump at the World Para Athletics Championships in London.[3] He followed this success with a silver medal in the long jump, and 4th place in the 100m, at the 2018 European Para Championships.[4]

In 2021, Skinner took his first gold medal on the international stage, winning the 100m at the World Para Athletics Championships in Bydgoczcz.[5] He was subsequently selected to represent Team GB at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, in the T13 long jump and 100m.

Personal life[]

Skinner suffers from ocular albinism, a genetic condition that affects vision.[2] He is the son of former England rugby player Mickey Skinner.[1] Away from athletics, Skinner is a DJ.[1]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c "Long jumper Skinner on Para-Athletics Champs". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Zak Skinner - Athletics | Paralympic Athlete Profile". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Zak Skinner". Kent Sport. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  4. ^ "Athlete Profile". www.thepowerof10.info. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  5. ^ C4 Paralympics [@C4Paralympics] (3 June 2021). "