Harlow

Athletics

Hi my name is Richard; I’m an Essex Paralympian competing in wheelchair racing. I started racing in 2009 in the hope to be selected for the London 2012 games but unfortunately that didn’t happen. However I decided to carry on training for Rio 2016 in the hope of achieving my Paralympic dream.

In 2016 I competed in the IPC Athletics European Championships in Grosseto, Italy where I won Gold in the T54 200m and took the silver medal over 100m, 400m and 800m. I was then selected for Rio Paralympics and represented Team GB in the T54 100m, 400m, 800m and 4x400m relay. I placed 4th in the 400m missing bronze by just 0.07 seconds and at the end of the year was ranked top in Great Britain over 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m. I would say being selected for the Rio Games is my biggest achievement in sport.

I also volunteer at Harlow Athletics Club, where twice a week I coach a Wheelchair Racing squad of young athletes from 7 years up. Seeing them get stronger fitter and healthier is something I love and without sport their quality of life wouldn’t be as good. I also regularly visit schools across Essex to help inspire the younger generation. I’m getting new people into sport all the time and my squad is growing quickly.

I believe sport is important as it brings people together, make friendships and helps set goals which is all you need.

Active Essex
Two people playing catch

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