Jonathan Young has been a strong and consistent performer on the international paracanoe stage for nearly a decade. He first competed in the men's KL3 and VL3 events in 2014, making his debut at the European Championships in Brandenburg.

Since then, the Northern Irish paddler has made the podium on numerous occasions over the past decade. Once the Paralympic boat classes were selected following the sport's inclusion for Rio 2016, Young switched from va'a to kayak.

He enjoyed a great start to 2023, winning the opening World Cup in Szeged, and rounding off the campaign with silver in Paris to conclude a successful season. Also that year, he claimed KL3 silver at the World Championships.

Young won KL3 bronze at the 2022 European Championships in Munich, and finished fourth at the 2022 World Championships in Canada.

Prior to sustaining a spinal injury in 2012, Young was a multi-activity instructor, including kayaking, canoeing, climbing and skiing. He also cycled across North America to raise money for charity.

While at Stoke Mandeville, Young participated in the Inter Spinal Unit Games, competing in every sport available to him. He recognised the importance of sport in his rehabilitation, so when he was discharged he pursued a full-time career. He attended a talent ID weekend for paracanoe and was soon training full-time.