Jon-Allan Butterworth Joins GB Para-Snowboarding Team

Paralympic gold medallist Jon-Allan Butterworth has joined the GB Para-snowboarding team.

The former RAF weapons technician became the first serviceman to win a Paralympic gold medal at Rio in 2016.

Last year, Butterworth announced his retirement from professional cycling.

He has won four Paralympic medals during his cycling career but will now switch challenges as he enters the winter sports world.

In a statement on the GB Snowsport website, Butterworth said: "I'm so excited to join the GB Snowsport team.

"When I retired from professional cycling, I was always clear in my mind that I was looking for the next challenge in my sporting career.

"Becoming part of the British Para Snowboarding squad was exactly the opportunity I'd been looking for."

WATCH: Jon-Allan Butterworth prepares for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

He continued: "I'm under no illusions: there's a lot of hard work ahead. But I've never been afraid of getting stuck in and the belief that GB Snowsport have shown in me means I'm convinced I've made the right decision here.

"I can't wait to join up with my new teammates and to get out on the snow and show what I can do."

Pat Sharples, the head coach of GB Snowsport, discussed the new arrival, saying: "We are thrilled that Jon-Allan has decided to continue his sporting career with us and will be turning his considerable sporting talents to Para Snowboarding.

"Switching disciplines is always a complex and challenging task, but from the work we've already done with Jon-Allan we are confident that he will make a big contribution to British Para Snowsport.

"Jon-Allan's Paralympic experience, his remarkable track-record at the highest levels of sport and his competitive streak will make him a great fit for our already high-class Para Snowboard squad and across the whole GB Snowsport team," he added.

Next year's Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing will mark the second games at which Britain is represented in Paralympic Snowboarding disciplines.

Cover image: Jon-Allan Butterworth competing for Great Britain (Picture: PA).