Jonathan Williams

I am writing as chairman of Cleveland Orienteering Club to nominate Jon Williams as an Olympic torchbearer. Jon was for many years an international level orienteer. He won a gold medal in the 1983 Continental Cup Relays in France and was twice Northern Orienteering Champion in the 1970's. In 1985 he completed the London Marathon in 2 hours 29 minutes. As his running ability waned with age, he concentrated on coaching children in the orienteering schools programme and within Clok (Cleveland Orienteering Club). In 2005, whilst orienteering, Jon suffered a massive stroke, leaving him unable to walk and confined to an electric wheelchair. Despite this, Jon has invested time and money in ensuring that he can get into the forest to remain an active club member. He continues to plan, control and help at events and, using his deep knowledge of the local geography, is a member of the club mapping committee. He remains a qualified coach, enjoying working with junior orienteers, both locally and at training weekends. He gives encouragement and confidence, helping them to develop their orienteering skills. He sets an excellent example, and is an inspiration to other members of the club.