JJ (John-James) Chalmers hasn't always been a presenter. In fact, it was only in 2016 that his media career began. That year, JJ presented National Paralympic Day for Channel 4 after competing in the 2014 Invictus Games. In July 2016, he would return to the Games as an ambassador, telling his story at the opening ceremony as well as working with the BBC in their coverage of the games. Read here to find out about other Commonwealth Games presenter, Jason Mohammad.
Prior to a career in sports and media, 35-year-old JJ served as a Royal Marine. During this time, he served in Helmand Province in Afghanistan and was attached to 42 Commando - a subordinate unit within the Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade.
JJ had joined the Royal Marine reserves whilst juggling a career as a design and technology teacher in Edinburgh. He would serve in the Royal Marines between 2005-2016 but in May 2011, his life would change forever when he sustained severe injuries in an IED (Implosive Explosive Device) blast. JJ suffered facial injuries, lost two fingers and his right elbow disintegrated. Despite his physical injuries, JJ described in an interview with The Big Issue earlier this year, his "disability is far more complicated than just being blown up."
