Jonathan Broom-Edwards on Paralympic glory, mental preparation and handling pressure

Jonathan Broom-Edwards is going into this week’s Paralympics at the top of his game.

The high jumper is a former Clere School pupil and has since won gold at two world championships, as well as a silver at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and a gold medal at Tokyo 2020.

Born with congenital talipes equinovarus in his left foot, otherwise known as clubbed foot, he has a restricted range of motion and a muscular imbalance.

As well as his huge array of medals, Broom-Edwards is now a physical therapist, motivational speaker, MBE and aeronautical engineering graduate.

On the eve of his third Paralympics, Broom-Edwards gave insight into his motivations, as well as how he prepares mentally to perform at the highest level.

“I feel physically and mentally stronger than I've been before”, he said ahead of his flight to Paris.

“It's the calm before the storm at the moment.

“It's going to be quite special considering it's so close to being a home games.

“To have my family and friends able to make a short trip across to Paris… I'm really excited for that!”

Having won everything there is to win, what is fuelling Broom-Edwards’ desire to keep reaching new heights at the age of 36?

“I'm quite self-motivated”, he explains.

“I've had some really great jumps this year.

“Kobe, Japan for the World Champs back in May… that gave me a glimmer of what I still have within me.

“But I also feel that sense of responsibility outside of the sport.

“That's why I get involved in school visits, motivational speaking and charitable work.

“Stuff like Celebrity SAS added such a strength and resilience to my mindset that allows me to push through the adversity, not just with having an impairment, but just through the stresses that life can bring.”

Broom-Edwards has long held an interest in sports psychology, and has spoken about utilising flow states when performing, where an individual is completely focused on a single task or activity and can block out distractions using adrenaline and breath work.

“There were many years throughout my career where I would get so focused on getting it right”, he explained.

“The amount of tension that was through every element of my body, it actually wouldn't allow me to jump any higher.

“So you have to get yourself into a state of not thinking, not worrying about the what ifs, like what happens if I fail?

“It’s not wishing the nerves away or anything like that, it's actually embracing the nerves, realising that they give an adrenaline push which will give you more if you can harness it.

“The only way I can get a personal best is by actually harnessing those nerves, and a lot of that's to do with mindfulness, trying to focus on the feeling in your body, rather than over thinking.

“I have a little ritual that I do on my hand when I'm on the mark.

“It's just a little relaxing twitch that grabs me into what I can feel.

“I think about a few cues, maybe two or three, what do I want to achieve with this jump?

“But then I can just let it all go and I just let my body do its thing.

Broom-Edwards is also acutely aware of the challenges posed by a vocal French crowd, who backed their athletes throughout the Olympics and promise to bring a lively atmosphere once again.

Broom-Edwards hopes to use this to his advantage.

“It's again thinking about the nerves and the adrenaline being a useful tool.

“To utilise it to realise that actually, I'm firing quicker because of this.

“You learn how to deal with it by being in a pressured environment, and any pressured environment can give the same sort of stimulus.

“Part of training is a subjection to discomfort, on a day to day basis, that's something that can prepare you for the stress of a major competition.”

Broom-Edwards will be competing on Friday the 6th of September in the morning session, beginning at 9:45 British time on Channel 4.

You can follow his journey on Instagram and X, @broomedwardst44