Congratulations to Flight Lieutenant Jonathon Maflin, UK Armed Forces Sportsman of the Year 2022.
In 2012, Jonathon discovered a solace in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, after failing the RAF Officer selection process. The sport allowed time for reflection and maturation, before Jonathon fought back against his career knock back to reapply and achieve the highest level of recommendation on his report.
"…not giving up even in the face of injury or defeat, learning from mistakes and coming back stronger."
Flight Lieutenant Jonathon Maflin
Jonathon has competed in RAF Inter-Station league and Inter-Services Championships and achieved the RAF Sportsman of the Year 2021 award. But now, inspirationally Jonathon has claimed another accolade, as UK Armed Forces Sportsman of the Year 2022.
Also in attendance was Corporal Shona Brownlee, Sportswoman of the Year 2021 and recent successful competitor at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics games.
The winners attended an event hosted by Forces TV sports presenter John Knighton, at the RAF Club in London’s Piccadilly. Jonathon was honoured to receive his award from five-time Olympian Dame Katherine Grainger.
"It's not something I ever imagined I would be able to win when I first joined the RAF and it’s a real testament to the opportunities of RAF sport and the support of my teammates and officials from RAF Martial Arts. I feel like I've been able to demonstrate that with dedication and perseverance the only ceiling to your achievement is the one you set for yourself."
Flight Lieutenant Jonathon Maflin
Read more about the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2021.