Going for gold in Transplant Games
A GOLD medal winning athlete has set his sights on representing Great Britain at next year's World Transplant Games.
Jonathan Bowman, 24, of Cleckheaton, has added two further gold medals to his collection during the recent British Transplant Games.
He secured first place on the podium for the 1,500m race and the 5K walking race. He also competed in the darts and long jump events.
Jonathan has battled with kidney damage for most of his early life, after contracting an E Coli infection when he was three-years-old. In 2001 he underwent a kidney transplant, after his mum, Stephanie, donated one of her organs.
Since then, Jonathan has gone from strength to strength and has won gold medals at the last five games.
He now hopes to be picked for the British team at the World Transplant Games next year.
"I really enjoyed the three days and the main thing is to see people who have been in the same situation as me," he said.
"Some of the athletes had received heart transplants and I heard so many interesting stories about their experiences.
"I was so pleased with how I did in the 1,500m and in fairness to the others, they were very athletic people, so to come first felt brilliant. They said that a club runner would be proud of the time I got."
Far from resting on his laurels, Jonathan is back training this week for the world games in Sweden next June. There is also the small matter of defending his titles at the British games, set for Belfast in August.
He said: "I've never been to either place so it would be good if I can make it."
Stephanie paid tribute to her son's commitment.
She said: "It was really emotional to see him lapping other athletes in the 1,500m because he is so determined to get picked for the British team.
"His dad, Steve, died a few years ago and he was a really good runner, so I think he wants to do it for him."
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Weather for Cleckheaton
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 3 C to 8 C
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