MEET Sam Young
SEPTEMBER 2026
One of the youngest members of the Young Guns team and highest youth fundraiser for three years in a row, Sam is ready to once again take on the challenge in support of his dad, Damien.
Damien was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at just 26 years old. Read Damien's story here.
Sam has been tagging along on training rides and cheering on his dad at the start and finish lines since he was born. After two successful virtual MS Gong Rides, Sam rode the MS Gong Ride course for the first time in 2024. He was thrilled to not only complete the ride alongside his dad but also be recognised as the Highest Youth Fundraiser.
Sam is excited to be back in 2026! He never stops training; riding to and from school, and with his friends on the weekends, Sam is feeling more prepared than ever. He is always on the hunt for a good challenge, with his favourite being a classic hill climb.
Having seen the effects of multiple sclerosis throughout his life, Sam knows that through the MS Gong Ride he has the power to help other people living with MS.
It feels good to do something for other people. I know I can help make a difference.
Sam has traditionally raised funds by seeking donations from friends and family, presenting at school and frequently reminding his parents to post on their social media. This year he is looking forward to taking a more active role in his fundraising and is exploring other options to both raise awareness for MS and have a great time.
Sam is a fundraising superstar, he was the highest youth fundraiser in 2023, 2024 and 2025, raising over $28,000 since 2020 to help support people living with MS.
No doubt it was Sam’s dedication to take on the MS Gong Ride that inspired such generous support. The ride itself is spectacular, and not only do his team, the Young Guns, cheer Sam on, but so do many fellow riders. Sam fondly recalls someone telling him they didn’t realise someone so young could make such an impact!
He’s determined to be back on the road for the 2026 MS Gong Ride, riding the course in all its glory alongside the Young Guns team. After breaking his scaphoid in a bike accident during the last school holidays, Sam’s now out of the cast and working hard on his recovery. With strengthening exercises underway and his bike set up on a trainer in the garage, he’s doing everything he can to be ride-ready come event day.
Sam has a message to all his fellow riders:
Train hard and have fun! Stick to your goals and you go further while still having fun. Make sure you get sponsored because it's all to raise money for people with MS!
Sam’s dad, Damien adds: “MS can impact anybody. It can come on young – that’s the thing many people don’t understand. There's a lot of stigma around it and it’s unpredictable. There's no prognosis.”
Look out for Damien and Sam at the Engadine Start Line and make sure to say hi before, during or after your ride!
Thanks Sam and Damien for taking on the MS Gong Ride together to Fight MS!
