Joshua Andrew Howard

Joshua Andrew Howard was born in Stockport, in 1998.[1] He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, due to a lack of oxygen causing brain damage. He attended St. Mary's Primary School. In his home town of Reddish, where he grew up as a child. Joshua was born to parents Gary Howard and Yvonne Howard, after leaving Primary Education, Joshua went on to study at Reddish Vale High School and then processing on to Loreto College. Where he studied Media Studies as well as Film Studies.Athletics was not the only sport Howard took part in. Basketball was also one of Howard's favourite sports and at the age of 8 he Join his local team "TV Sharks". When Joshua was born his parents were told that he would not be able to live the life of a normal child, That encouraged them to push their son to the limits and always ensure he was staying active and healthy. Like many children, Joshua had to undergo speech therapy to strengthen his speech and also had eye sight issues causing him to have to wear an eye patch for most of his younger years.

Howard first became involved with the sport at a late stage when he was aged 11. His first club was Manchester Harriers, based at Sports City, Manchester. Howard got involved in multiple sports including football and basketball, he trained with Manchester Harriers for four years mainly focusing on the 100m and 200m events. In late 2015, after competing in no competitions, he joined Stockport Harriers where he was introduced to the long jump by Joe Frost. On 5 December, Howard competed in his first long jump competition at Loughborough University, securing a jump of 4.48m, which saw him break the T38 British record.

On 30 January 2016, Howard went back to Loughborough University to compete in the 60m (securing a time of 8.36 seconds) including long jump, where he beat the British Athletics Paralympic Entry Standard with a first round jump of 5.09m. Howard was invited to Grosseto, Italy to be internationally classified as a T38 athlete. He then went on to compete and secured a PB of 5.32m. When he returned he was picked for the IPC European Championships in Grosseto to compete in the T38 long jump with the likes of Richard Whitehead. Howard secured his senior debut, skipping the junior level, and achieving his international vest. Howard competed on 16 June 2016, securing a jump of 5.42, finishing third (no medal).[2]

When Howard returned, he was not selected for Rio 2016, but plans to focus on London 2017 at the world Para Athletic Championships as said in multiple interviews. In September 2016 Josh moved coaches form Joe Frost to Keith Hunter after a not so successful year in terms of distance and selection He now represents Sale Harriers in National competitions. 2017 was far from successful due to unknown reason as he failed to be selected, for the London 2017 World Championships.

Howard started to gain sponsors in early 2015 when his international debut took off. He has had a wide range of help from both large and small companies. Viageo was Howard's first official sponsor; it is unclear what they offered him, but it was a good starting point for any beginning athlete. Howard then received kit sponsor from New Balance due to his recent achievements throughout the year. He also got sponsored by Oxygen Free Jumping and Ever Sheds later on in the year. Moving on into 2017 Joshua gained support form Nike reviving kit drops and other elements as well as the ongoing support form Sports Aid, and a new entry Realbuzz