Jonathan Broom-Edwards on top of the world after gold medal success at Paralympic Games in Tokyo

Jonathan Broom-Edwards admitted how he went through every emotion during his gold medal triumph in the T64 high jump at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

The former Clere School pupil returned from Japan earlier this week after becoming high jump champion, finishing ahead of India's Kuma Praveen in second and Maciej Lepiato of Poland in third.

Broom-Edwards explained how challenging it was to keep composure throughout the competition.

“I had to really keep my cool in the competition,” he said. “For one, the weather was atrocious and we had torrential rain for the best part of the competition.

“Then I went from first in the competition to third when a new competitor from India completed a 2.07m jump on his first attempt.

“It was quite a shock and it put me and the Polish athlete on the back foot, so I am proud I kept my cool to clear 2.07m on the final attempt.

“I was then able to clear 2.10m and it’s one of my highest jumps, it was a great clearance and I knew I was in good shape going into the competition.”

After successfully clearing 2.10m, the 33-year-old had a little bit of a wait to find out if his jump was enough to win gold.

“I lost it after clearing 2.10m and as soon as I got back to my bag I knew I had to calm down because there was a chance that I could’ve had to jump again.

“When he failed the third attempt, it hit home and I couldn’t contain the emotions anymore.

“I was then asked what height I wanted to raise the bar to and I said 2.13m, but as I was walking to my coach he said to leave it and end on a high.”

It was a very unique games, due to coronavirus restrictions, and Broom-Edwards expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers and organisers who made it a success.

“I think a big part of it was how incredibly supportive, helpful and efficient the Tokyo volunteers and staff were.

“They did such a wonderful job at making it run smoothly and also make us feel so welcome and you can’t put a price on that.

“We all bonded together and we all rose to the occasion and it was a phenomenal ending to a difficult few years.”

The Paralympic champion will now meet up with his high jump coach, Graham Ravenscroft, who was unable to travel out with him

“I am looking forward to catching up with my coach Graham Ravenscroft because he wasn’t able to come out to Tokyo.

“I am looking forward to de-briefing with him and almost marvelling what we were able to achieve when the odds were stacked against us.

“It was a team effort and I wouldn’t have got to where I am without the support of my team, my friends and my family.

“I have huge admiration for them all and huge thanks to give.”