James Ball

James Ball is a Paralympic champion and multiple world champion para-cyclist from Ponthir, who competes in tandem B events as a visually impaired athlete.
Born in Newport and raised in Wales, James’ sporting journey began away from the velodrome. He first represented Wales through Disability Sport Wales at a swimming gala in 2003, before later pursuing athletics and then switching to cycling after being talent-spotted by British Cycling.
James originally had ambitions of competing in athletics as a sprinter at London 2012, but injury disrupted that pathway. After further injury setbacks left him uncertain about his sporting future, he moved into cycling and quickly showed his potential on the track.
He made his international breakthrough in 2016, winning World Championship bronze in the Tandem B Sprint with pilot Craig Maclean. A year later, he was paired with Matt Rotherham and the pair won double gold at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Los Angeles, taking titles in both the 1km Time Trial and Sprint.
Further world medals followed over the next decade, with James building successful partnerships with pilots including Pete Mitchell, Lewis Stewart and fellow Welshman Steffan Lloyd. After winning Paralympic silver at Tokyo 2020, James finally reached the top step of the Paralympic podium at Paris 2024, taking gold in the Men’s B 1,000m Time Trial with Lloyd.
Since Paris, James and Steffan have continued their success together, winning world titles in the Men’s B 1km Time Trial and Men’s B Sprint at the 2025 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Rio de Janeiro.
Social media handle: @james_ball_91