Davy Zyw stood defiant in Cortina's start gate, embodying resilience as he became the first athlete with motor neurone disease to compete at a Winter Paralympics. Diagnosed at 30 with just 18 months to live, the 38-year-old has now defied medical expectations for nearly eight years, competing in snowboard cross despite his deteriorating condition.

Zyw's journey from London sommelier to Paralympic competitor represents a remarkable transformation. His first symptom was a numb thumb, initially misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome. While one-third of MND patients die within a year and half within two, Zyw has maintained his fighting spirit through positivity and determination. The British athlete has lost most hand functionality and experiences muscle wasting, yet continues to push boundaries.

Despite breaking two ribs in a crash during his opening run, Zyw returned for the banked slalom, finishing 19th. For him, the result was irrelevant - reaching the Paralympics was his medal. His wife Yvie and son Aleksander cheered him on as 'No Davy, No Party' chants echoed through the venue. Now returning to Edinburgh, Zyw reflects on his achievement as representing the MND community, having raised significant funds for causes including the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.