A former paratrooper who cheated death after plummeting 1,000-ft to the ground has overcome injuries to make amazing strides and become a record-breaking ultra runner.
The 41-year-old Superman is the first person ever to win all four of the world’s toughest races in extreme climates.
Since healing from injuries, Jon Shield has battled through jungles, deserts, frigid cold, and mountainous terrain, to become a champion of the ‘Beyond the Ultimate’ Global Race Series.
During the grueling races, competitors attempt to run a total of 565 miles (910km) in four marathons that are set among the world’s toughest environments.
Last month, Shield won the Desert Ultra Marathon in Namibia after completing the 155 miles course (250km) in 27 hours and 39 minutes.
He’s also won the Ice Ultra Marathon in the Arctic and just months later was victorious in the Jungle Ultra Marathon in Africa. Last year, he won the Mountain Ultra Marathon across the Tian Shan mountains in Asia with a near record time of 29 hours and 32 minutes.
The British man’s incredible feats of endurance came after the horrible accident in 2013 that left him unable to run for seven years.
He was in the Parachute Regiment when he undertook a 1,000-ft parachute jump at night. Complications led to Jon plummeting to the ground at high speed, smashing his ankle, knee, and hip. He underwent several surgeries but the injuries were so severe he was medically discharged from military service months later.
Eventually, Shield decided to retrain as a paramedic, so he could continue to serve his community of Shropshire, England—and it was while he started running to work that he became obsessed with Ultra Marathons.
Reflecting on his remarkable achievements following his parachuting accident, Jon said, “It’s amazing how far I’ve come.”
When he suffered the injuries, it was a night time training jump with a static line that deploys the parachute for you, as the height they were jumping from was very low.
“It’s pitch black and you can’t see anything and you drop ridiculously fast. You’re trying to listen, for a split second, listening to the equipment hitting the ground before you can break your fall.
The labral tear in his hip was the worst: “I wasn’t able to go cycling, running, or doing any cardio because of this pain in my groin area.
“I was determined to keep fit and push myself to the extremes. I had to overcome my injuries.”
But it’s always the case of what’s next.
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“It’s nice to have the acknowledgement that you’ve achieved something, but I never want to rest on my laurels. I’m always looking ahead to the next challenge.”
“You can do the most hideous of races and think ‘never again’, but then two days later you think you would do it again.
“A lot of people say the desert is the hardest, but I had no problems at all. I’d done heat training before, so when I got out there I raced hard on day one—after that I just cruised. I didn’t take any risks or chances.
“The jungle was my most difficult race. It was oppressively hot, around 97 degrees (36C). You were exposed to direct sunlight, with the humidity. I looked and felt absolutely dead.
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“We were racing in places (where) people had never run before. At one point you’re in a river for 15km (9mi).
“Ants and wasps were the main thing, and getting thorns in your hands. You’re told not to touch the trees or branches—some of them have massive spikes or ants on them.
“It’s five days, (and) all five stages are self-sufficient; you carry all your own food, your sleeping bag, and clothes. The only thing they give you is water.
“I’m very proud of winning the races. It wasn’t about the times, it was about making sure I was the first person to win the overall series.
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“You put yourself through everything, the insects and wildlife and the temperatures, you need to be very adaptable.
“I’m the first one to win the overall race series—and it feels great.
“Ever since I became interested in the races it’s been a goal to go out and win them.
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