Rare condition cannot stop Nathaniel Bailey from surfing

AT THE 2024 Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence, held at the lawns of Jamaica House in May, Nathaniel Bailey arrived onstage in his wheelchair rocking and beaming to collect his trophy for ‘Excellence in Sports’, yes, sports, particularly para-surfing. He was very proud of himself, you could see.

Bailey cannot walk from birth, having a condition called arthrogryposis, also called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. It involves a variety of non-progressive conditions that are characterised by multiple joint contractures (stiffness) and muscle weakness found throughout the body at birth.

Yet, he has no cerebral challenges, and has done very well academically. The 18-year-old Jamaica College alumnus, was born in Kingston, and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer network and security at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

The programme notes for the awards say, “Nathaniel Bailey’s nomination for the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in Sports is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and national pride. As Jamaica’s first and only para-surfer to represent the nation on the global stage, Nathaniel has consistently defied expectations and broken barriers.” But, how did he get into para-surfing?

“I was doing homework during COVID, I think it was 2021 … and my mom got a call, asking if I would be interested in surfing. That was the Friday, and on the Saturday, I just went out there and tried it out, and never looked back. I have been doing it for three years, four years come this October,” he replied. And the challenges?

He told The Gleaner, “Well, really and truly, it’s just all about the mindset, and how you perceive it. I don’t see it as a disability. I just see it as an opportunity to excel at anything I do.”

He practices in Bull Bay, and has full support behind him. Some of the people who he said are the winds beneath his sails are his mother, and his coach Icah Wilmot, “a very big support system”. Since 2021 he has represented Jamaica at the International Surfing Association World Para Surfing Championships. In that debut year he was placed 13th out of 39 competitors.

“His achievements are not only historic, but inspirational, especially within the context of adaptive sports, where he has emerged as a beacon of excellence. Beyond competition, Nathaniel’s impact on sports is also deeply cultural and motivational,” the programme notes also say.

“He actively uses his platform and social media presence to raise awareness around para-sports and to inspire individuals with disabilities across Jamaica. His story, from early stimulation through to academic success and athletic achievement, offers a blueprint of perseverance and national representation.”

In reacting to his receiving of the prestigious award, Bailey said, “I feel honoured and elated to be awarded by the prime minister for all the work I have put in. And, this is just the beginning, this is just a stepping stone for me to do better. I have put in a lot of work so far … It’s always a good feel to say, I put my best foot forward, no matter what the circumstances.”

And to other disabled people, he said, “You are your only setback. You are the only person that can set you back. Once you are determined that you are going to do something, nobody can stop you. Just work hard. What your legs can’t do, what your hands can’t do, your brain has to be able to do it.”