My name is Jonathan Collins, and I’m 30 years old. I was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus – a condition where there’s too much fluid around the brain. I’m also registered as severely sight-impaired because in 2004, an undiagnosed shunt blockage caused damage to my optic nerves. I’ve faced a few challenges, but I’ve also found things that make life better, like wheelchair fencing.
Let me tell you about it!
What is Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida affects the nerves, meaning I can’t control my bladder or bowels properly. From the age of five, I’ve used catheters to help. I still remember how a kind staff member at my primary school showed me how to use them. Back then, I started with a small size and over time, I moved up until now, I use size 12 catheters.
Just before I turned 12, I had a big surgery to enlarge my bladder. It took 13 hours, and during it, I had something called a Mitrofanoff created, which helps me control my bladder, and an ACE (Antegrade Continence Enema) for my bowels. Both of these have helped protect my kidneys, which are doing well at 48/52 (I always joke that those numbers sound like a good test score!).
Nowadays, I use ISC catheters with an integral bag, which have made life so much easier, especially when I’m away from home or need to use public toilets.
For the past nine years, wheelchair fencing has been a huge part of my life. I first got into it when my friends started moving away, buying houses, and focusing on their girlfriends. I needed something for myself, something fun. I’d tried a few sports at taster sessions, but none of them felt right. I was worried I’d mess up and let my team down.
Then someone suggested wheelchair fencing. I’d heard of it before but always thought it was a “posh” sport. To my surprise, there was a club just 10 miles from my house! I decided to give it a go, and that’s where I met my trainer, Viv Mills, who’s amazing in the world of wheelchair fencing. Viv had an accident at work and got into the sport herself, so she really understood where I was coming from.
I’ll never forget the excitement of putting on the safety gear, picking up a sword, and trying to make contact with Viv’s jacket for the first time. I felt such a buzz – like I’d found something I was truly passionate about. From that moment, my life changed.
Fencing has changed my life
Fencing has done so much for me. It’s made me stronger, fitter, and happier. I’ve made tons of new friends and feel mentally and physically better than ever before. It’s not just the sport itself, but also the connection with people. I might not be part of Team GB’s elite squad, but I support them and try to raise awareness about wheelchair fencing through social media. It’s my way of giving back to a sport that’s given me so much.
My local fencing club is filled with friendly people, and even though there aren’t many junior wheelchair fencers, there’s a good crowd of able-bodied kids who love to compete. We need more young people to try wheelchair fencing, though – they’re the future of the sport!
I’ve also attended GB training camps, and it’s always so nice to see how friendly and welcoming everyone is, from the elite fencers to the support staff. After a hard day’s training, there’s nothing better than relaxing over a meal and having a good laugh. I’m always looking forward to the social time, and it’s given me something to talk about with others.
Wheelchair fencing has really boosted my confidence. Now, I’m not just the guy sitting quietly in a wheelchair. People come to me for advice, ask my opinion, and I feel included.
You know, fencing isn’t all about serious sword fighting – we have plenty of laughs too. One of the funniest things that ever happened was at a training camp. My opponent and I had our wheelchairs strapped down (so they don’t move while we’re fencing), but something went wrong. The more we fenced, the more our chairs started moving! We kept going until we suddenly realised we were heading straight out of the large fire doors. Imagine that – we nearly fenced our way outside! I still laugh about it today.
Another funny thing is when people see my name online, “Jonathan Collins – Fencer,” and they assume I do gardening or patio work. I always get a good chuckle out of that.
If you’re thinking about trying wheelchair fencing, go for it! Don’t worry if you don’t have the gear – clubs have equipment you can borrow while you decide if it’s the right sport for you. There are three different weapons – Epee, Foil, and Sabre – and each has its own set of rules.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not a full-time wheelchair user; if you use a chair for fencing, you can give it a try. If you’re worried about your medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Wheelchair fencing has changed my life, and it might do the same for you!
Being a teenager is tough, and it can be even harder when you have a disability. You watch your friends become more independent and wonder if you’ll be able to do the same. Will you get a job? Live on your own? Find love? These are questions I’ve asked myself too, and some are still unanswered.
All I can say is to take things one day at a time. There will be ups and downs, but staying busy and positive helps.