A Scottish father diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) at just 30 years old is striving to become the first snowsport competitor afflicted with the condition to participate in the Paralympic Games.
Davy Zyw, now aged 37, an ex-competitive snowboarder, has his sights set on the Winter Paralympic Games in Milan for 2026. He recently overcame a significant obstacle when medical professionals authorized him to participate—on the condition he qualifies through a highly competitive Parasport World Cup series.
If he succeeds in qualifying, Zyw would make history as the first Paralympian with MND to compete in snowsports— and the first competitor with the disease from the UK in any Paralympic sport.
Rower Nick Scandone participated in the Paralympics in 2008 with MND, and curler Cathy Cummins, diagnosed in 2005, served as an alternate for the US team in Sochi 2014. However, no one has participated in the Winter Olympics while having MND.
Zyw, who once dreamed of being a full-time professional snowboarder, was sponsored by notable snowsport brands during his teenage years and early twenties, competing at an international age group level until a severe knee injury shifted his focus to a career beyond sports.
In October, Zyw made history by being the first individual with MND to compete at an international level in parasport snowsports, earning two silver medals in banked slalom at the FIS Para Snowboard event in Dubai. His performance merely lagged 0.3 seconds behind seasoned para snowboarders, including Slovakia’s Adam Kropka—a clear indication that Zyw is capable of competing at the highest level.
The Edinburgh native followed this achievement with a 12th place finish at a second event in the Netherlands last week, competing against previous Paralympic champions from Beijing 2022. He must still accumulate sufficient points throughout the upcoming season to qualify for the FIS Para Snowboard World Cup series. From there, he needs to secure a top 15 finish to qualify for Milan.
READ MORE:
Bradley Wiggins was once a sporting great. His demise is shocking
Cycle across Asia with Chris Hoy easier than Heathrow in a wheelchair
Judy Murray: I don’t have any confidence in the leadership of Tennis Scotland
Davy, who will receive support from his wife Yvette and three-year-old son, Aleksander, shared: “It’d be incredible to achieve this – just thinking about it gives me chills. At this moment, it seems almost unimaginable to see myself there. The level of competition is extremely high; many of my fellow para athletes are full-time snowboarders, so I am not taking anything for granted, but being able to compete at this level is highly motivating. I need to accelerate and refine my technique for the upcoming races, but I feel I’m improving every time I hit the snow.”
The Edinburgh father received his MND diagnosis in 2018 and has since devoted significant time and effort to raising over £1 million for MND-related causes, including the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, through challenging endurance events—such as cycling 264 miles along the notorious ‘High Five’ route in the Scottish Highlands in 2022 and riding from Edinburgh to Rome earlier this year.
Zyw will compete in the Upper Limb category against para athletes with various disabilities affecting their limbs, including amputees. Although his MND primarily affects his hands and arms at this time, it will ultimately impact other areas of his body. Despite his fundraising efforts, he acknowledges that qualifying for the Winter Paralympics represents one of his greatest challenges to date, but is resolute in his commitment to do his utmost—not only for himself, but also to increase awareness of MND and aid the community.
He expressed: “To qualify for the Winter Paralympics would be extraordinary—it feels distant even with the hurdles I’ve overcome. After my diagnosis in 2018, I feared I would not live beyond two years, and here I am preparing for a winter filled with snowboard racing—I feel incredibly fortunate. I’m aiming high and seizing the chances in front of me, hoping I’m capable enough to qualify. Most importantly, I want to enjoy the journey and raise awareness along the way. Unusually for para athletes, I’m excited to have the opportunity. At one point, I questioned whether I could even compete as there was no category for MND or neurological conditions. When they informed me that I could at least try, it was an amazing feeling.
Edinburgh resident Davy Zyw was diagnosed with MND at 30 (Image: GT) “The nature of MND indicates that I will only grow weaker and face greater challenges as the illness advances. While I still possess full movement in certain areas, some muscles are completely gone, and others are in a state of uncertainty. This puts me in a position where I realize that even if I reach that level, I’ll be competing at a disadvantage compared to some athletes, yet I’m more physically capable than others—but that doesn’t deter me. Every individual competing in parasport has surmounted tremendous obstacles just to be on their snowboards; they are truly an inspiring group of athletes to be among.”
Looking ahead, Zyw has six competitions lined up across Europe, with events in Finland, Austria, and Germany. Another challenge he faces is securing funding for his endeavor, as his journey remains entirely self-funded until he qualifies for the World Cup series. Thus far, his efforts have been backed by his twin brother Tommy, but he estimates that it will take at least £15,000 to attend the necessary races. He has established a Just Giving page to assist him in reaching the events crucial for his qualification.
He added: “Tommy has been an amazing support, as he always has been, and we’re seeking potential sponsors to help achieve this goal. I will give everything I have to reach Milan.
“Ironically, having MND might now provide a path to fulfill my childhood aspiration of competing in snowboarding on a global platform. It’s difficult not to feel emotional about that. I can hardly believe this harsh illness has drawn me back to my roots and my passion for the mountains. However, this is an opportunity to bring MND to the forefront at one of the largest sporting events in the world. I feel it’s important to do this for everyone living with MND.”
Paul Thompson, Director of Fundraising at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “Davy has surpassed all expectations with his achievements in support of the Foundation and the broader MND community. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if he goes all the way to the Winter Paralympics—his determination is unmatched.
“He has already etched his name in history by competing in global parasports with MND, and the entire MND community and beyond will rally behind him as he strives to qualify for Milan 2026. Best of luck, Davy; you can achieve it!”
You can assist Davy by donating on his Just Giving page. To support fundraising for MND research, participate in My Name’s Doddie Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser, Doddie Aid, beginning on January 1st, 2025.
