John McFall, a member of the ESA astronaut reserve and 2023 Disability Power 100 finalist, played an important part in the 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony.
John, who won a Bronze medal for Great Britain in at the Beijing 2008 games, was one of two flag bearers representing the whole paralympic community, alongside French sailor Damien Seguin.
“I like to think that my presence at this year’s ceremony, in my new role at the European Space Agency, attests to and embodies the success, reach and legacy of the Paralympic movement,” he said.
“With every new step of my journey, I am proud to be challenging preconceptions around the professional roles in which we should expect to see people with physical disabilities. I am committed to playing my part in laying the foundations for a future that is diverse, inclusive, and full of opportunity for all.”
The UK Space Agency is supporting John’s work with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the Fly! Feasibility study, which aims to clear the path for an astronaut with a physical disability to take part in a long duration mission to the International Space Station.
In July 2024, ESA announced there were no technical showstoppers to possibility of flying an astronaut with a disability like John’s on such a mission.
After losing his right leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 19, John embarked on a successful career in athletics, competing as a British Paralympic sprinter.
He then transitioned into medicine, qualifying as a Trauma and Orthopaedic Specialist before being selected by ESA as a member of the astronaut reserve in November 2022.
Watch video of John McFall helping to open the 2024 Paralympics