Richard is an extraordinary athlete. He holds the world record for athletes with a double amputation in both the full and half marathon.
Richard was born and still lives in Nottingham with his wife and two children. He was a swimming teacher before competing for Team GB as an ice sledge hockey player at the 2006 Winter Paralympics in Turin and then transitioned into running where he continues to compete in both 200m and marathon distance.
Since his childhood Richard has taken part in a range of different sports. Richard first ran competitively in the 2004 New York Marathon because he enjoyed the personal challenge of running a marathon and he has gone on to run over 20 marathons. In 2009 he became the first leg amputee (single or double) to break the 3-hour mark for a marathon, a world record he has now lowered to 2-hours 42.54 minutes. He won the gold medal in the 200m T42 Athletics event at the 2012 Paralympics.
In 2013 he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to athletics Richard successfully defended his 200 T42 title and won silver in the 100m event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. He is currently training for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Richard has been on an extraordinary journey, not only achieving the ultimate goals as a Paralympian and Marathon runner but taking on personal challenges and inspiring people all over the world.
Richard is an appreciative fashion follower, having long standing relationships with high end designers. Richard is incredibly passionate about promoting diversity and equality in sport and life. He is always honestly spoken and inspiring in telling his story in a way that motivates others.
In 2013, as patron to Sarcoma UK, he ran from John O’Groats to Land’s End – 40 marathons in 40 days. Richard is an inspirational speaker and is also a director and mentor at One Athlete, an integrated sports performance support team. Richard is partnered with BP and Ossur.
When you fail, you learn a lot about yourself and come back stronger. Life need not have limits. Having an opportunity in life is important but what defines you is what you do with that opportunity.’
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