Daymon Strikes Gold!

10th September 2007

A Cumbria Sport Partnership Young Volunteer struck gold at the World Transplant Games in Thailand and returned home with four medals.

Seaton’s Daymon Johnstone, who had a kidney transplant in 1996, beat off stiff competition from around the globe to take gold in his age group for French bowls, as well as bronze in the adult section of the sport and a bronze for squash. He was also given a medal for taking part in the games. Daymon, 17, who had never even played French bowls before said he was amazed to have done so well. He added: “I really just wanted to take part and do my best. “It was tough competing against the adults. I’m really proud.” Daymon also did well in his other competitions; narrowly missing out on a medal in the 100 metre sprint when he came fourth, less than half a second behind the winner. He also took fifth place in the 50 metre backstroke. His mum Val said she was really proud of him. She said: “I’m surprised how well he’s done. There was some tough competition out there and to come back with medals is a bonus. “I’m really pleased he won a medal for his squash because that’s the sport he enjoys the most. “He’s never played French bowls before so to get two medals for it is fantastic. She said the highlight was seeing her son take part in the closing ceremony, parading around the stadium in Bangkok with the other athletes. She added: “It’s unbelievable to see the amount of people there with a transplant who are fit and healthy.” Daymon returned home on Sunday at 11pm following a 12-hour flight from Bangkok. Less than 24 hours later he was back on the squash court training for his next big challenge. He hopes to compete in the British Transplant Games – held in Sheffield next year – so he can qualify as a senior for the next world tournament, in Australia in 2009. “Hopefully I will get five golds next time,” he added. Daymon was diagnosed with kidney malfunction as a child and had a transplant at Newcastle in 1996. He discovered he had sporting talent as a pupil at StainburnSchool and is currently studying for a diploma in sport and fitness at Lakes College West Cumbria. Daymon said he wanted to thank his family for all their support as well as Workington schools – such as Victoria Infants and Juniors – which had helped raise money for his trip and local businesses for donations. He will be taking a slide show of his Thailand trip around west Cumbrian schools.