Joshua Cassidy was born November 15th, 1984. He came into the world fighting a non-congenital cancer which primarily effects children, Neuroblastoma. The doctors told his parents that their newborn had a narrow chance of survival. Perhaps through a combination of medicine, family prayer, and a will to live, Cassidy won miraculously. The damage done to his spinal cord left his legs partially paralyzed. Where many saw obstacles ahead, this young boy saw opportunities. This blessing gave him the blocks needed to overcome hardships and build a life of success, love, and happiness.
Cassidy grew up as the oldest of 10 kids which began in the military life, then a farm life, moving out as a young man to the city life, and now he has spent over a decade travelling and living around the globe. Cassidy’s early love of sport eventually led to athletics, and in 2008 he competed in his first Paralympic Games in Beijing, in front of 90,000 spectators. At the London Marathon in 2010, Josh recorded his first ‘big’ win, against the best in the world.
In 2012, Cassidy won the prestigious Boston Marathon with an incredible performance, recording the World's Fastest time of 1:18:25. He has been recorded hitting a top end speed of over 80 km/h down the Tyne Tunnel in Newcastle UK. In a year, Cassidy has covered over 7500kms, equivalent of the width of Canada, coast to coast. He has been a Canadian Champion 28 times and is also the Canadian Record holder in the 5000m, 10000m, and Marathon.
Now a three-time Paralympian, winning many races around the world, Cassidy is known internationally for his work ethic and fortitude. He has beaten every competitor in the world at least once.
He is currently preparing for his fourth Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
