Jack Eyers: From Fashion Trailblazer to Para Canoeing Champion, Redefining Ability

In the dazzling world of fashion, where beauty often adheres to conventional standards, Jack Eyers stands out as a beacon of change and resilience. His journey from catwalks to canoeing reflects not just personal transformation but also a broader evolution in the representation of people with disabilities. Eyers first made waves in the fashion industry when he became the first male amputee to walk in New York Fashion Week. The experience, characterized by the palpable energy in the room and the blinding flashes of photographers’ cameras, marked a significant milestone in his life. "I opened the show," he recalls, an accomplishment that opened doors to other major fashion capitals, including Milan and London. In 2017, his achievements culminated in being crowned Mr. England at a male beauty pageant. Yet, amidst the glitz of luxury brands and glamorous parties, Eyers experienced a deeper calling. He had grown up with proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), which created challenges he had to confront from a young age. Once, he was reluctant to discuss his disability, feeling the need to build a shield around himself. However, as he evolved, so did his perspective on self-acceptance and identity. "I’m not going to shy away from the conversation," Eyers states, embracing his past. The turning point came when he met Louie Brownsell, a one-legged stunt performer, whose example inspired him to envision a future beyond his limitations. Eyers’ move into modeling was not just about aesthetics; it was a mission to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability and redefine how society perceives disabled individuals. His partnership with Models of Diversity was a strategic step toward altering perceptions within the modeling industry. Eyers, along with model Kelly Knox, aimed to displace outdated notions of disability as synonymous with weakness or vulnerability. Their efforts resonated deeply, particularly when he modeled a striking suit-of-armour by designer Antonio Urzi at Milan Fashion Week. The ensemble symbolized not just a fashion statement but a powerful assertion of identity and strength, merging his prosthetic leg with high fashion. Yet, as he transitioned from the world of fashion to athletics, Eyers found a new platform for his message. Inspired by the 2016 Rio Paralympics, he immersed himself in para canoeing. His relentless pursuit of excellence led him to become a two-time world champion, and now he stands on the brink of his dream: competing in the Paralympics. As he prepares for the Va’a single 200m para-canoe qualifying heat, Eyers reflects on the weight of the moment. The nerves he feels now differ significantly from those experienced on the catwalk. "I’ve done this 200m a thousand times," he assures himself, emphasizing the grueling eight years of elite training behind him, contrasting sharply with his brief, crash-course introduction to modeling. Eyers understands that the stakes in athletics are clear-cut: it’s about performance, not public opinion. "It’s about the hard graft; it all comes down to me," he asserts. This shift in focus—from external validation to internal determination—highlights a profound change in his narrative. As he steps onto the starting line, surrounded by the support of loved ones and the community that has rallied around him, Eyers embodies the spirit of perseverance. "I’ve bought my lottery ticket and I’m in for the jackpot," he quips, ready to seize the moment with a clear sense of purpose. Jack Eyers’ journey, from a boy who felt like an outsider to a celebrated athlete and model, serves as a powerful reminder that identity, resilience, and the courage to redefine norms can lead to extraordinary achievements. Whether on the catwalk or the canoe, Eyers inspires others to embrace their true selves and challenge the world’s perceptions of ability.