If you had to pick someone who understands the life-changing power of sport, it’s John McAvoy.

Ask him about what he has been up to over the past five years and you would never believe that the pro triathlete had ever spent ten years behind bars for conspiracy to commit armed robbery. 


McAvoy is a true testament to the importance of sport in society. He may have spent the early years of his life as a career criminal, but a commitment to turn his life around and an introduction to the reforming power of sport by his then-prison officer allowed McAvoy to discover an ability to break world records on a rowing machine behind bars.

Not only is McAvoy now as an elite triathlete, he has spent the last few years committed to using his story of rehabilitation to help inspire others to change their lives for the better. 


“If I hadn’t discovered sport and been encouraged to take part, I probably wouldn’t be here today,” said McAvoy. 


“It was one of my prison officers, Darren Davis, who realised I was good on an indoor rowing machine. He was the first positive role model I’d ever had in my life and at this point, I was already 26 years old. 


“When I discovered I was good at endurance sport, I used that gift to turn my life around. Sport fundamentally changed my life. Without it, I would have probably ended up dead or spent my life locked in a prison cage. 


“I was very fortunate to unlock that ability and now I want to help others.”
Since leaving prison six years ago, McAvoy has dedicated his life to teaching others the redeeming power of sport, starting his own charity, The John McAvoy Charitable Trust, in the process.

But that isn’t the only way the ex-armed robber has been willing to help. Alongside being a patron for London-based charity Football Beyond Borders, in 2019 the triathlete started working with Volvo Car UK on a short documentary, choregraphing his story of redemption and his relentless mission to inspire others.

“I feel very fortunate that my journey and experience has allowed me to open those doors for others. I think sport is a very underutilised tool for rehabilitation and I want to use my platform to help push for more opportunities for young people.”


John McAvoy is an official ambassador of Volvo Car UK through its partnership with British Triathlon