Celebrated for his inspiring journey in sport at the 2021 Saskatchewan Sport Awards, Jonathan Mudryk has continued to persevere through life’s challenges.
Since first receiving one of two inaugural Inspire Through Sport Awards, Jonathan has continued to lead his sporting career with determination, overcoming adversity both on and off the field of play. Prior to the awards Jonathan shared: “I hope my story inspires other athletes to never give up on their dreams and [proves] that you can achieve your goals no matter what life throws at you.”
In the four years since, Jonathan has continued to exemplify his own words.
According to Jonathan’s mother, Brenda Mudryk, he lost function in his right arm due to multiple watershed strokes that occurred during his heart and liver transplant surgery in March of 2021. Following the 18-hour surgery, Brenda was told that Jonathan would never eat, walk or talk again.
“I said, ‘well if anyone can get through it, he can,’” recalls Brenda. “He is just that type of person.”
Even after relearning how to swallow, walk and talk, Jonathan never fully regained function in his right arm.
“He tried to play baseball again, but his right arm just didn’t come back,” shared Brenda.
This forced Jonathan to step back from the game he loved, but his positive spirit did not waver and he has used this as an opportunity to explore other sports. Jonathan got involved in golf and bowling, but this time as a left-handed athlete.
“Jonathan is just grateful to still be here and to still be able to play sports without the use of his right hand. He hasn’t given up on that. He now bowls left-handed and learned how to do everything with his left hand,” said Brenda. “Life is so short you just don’t know what will happen. He got that second chance in life.”
Jonathan hopes to stand as an example to others, proving that even though there may be things you can no longer do, there is still an entire world of opportunities to explore.
You can learn more about Jonathan’s story and his Inspire Through Sport Award by watching his Youtube video.
Nominations for the 41st Annual Saskatchewan Sport Awards in the Recognition Category, including Inspire Through Sport Award, are open now until November 1 at 11:59 p.m. If you have someone you’d like to nominate, please review the criteria and send in your submission.