Sprinter.  Marathon Runner.  Medalist.  Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).  Member UKA Athletics Commission. Public Speaker. Paralympian. 

Richard Whitehead was born with a congenital condition which left him as a double through-knee amputee.  As a young child, his parents saw the power of sport as an opportunity to test his potential, gain confidence and change people’s perceptions.  Swimming, gymnastics and ice-sledge hockey were early favourites and provided Richard with a sense of purpose, community and camaraderie.  But more than participate, Richard wanted to compete.  Enter sprinting and long-distance running.

Using basic prosthetic legs, he began running on treadmills in his local gym, before he built up enough confidence to brave the open roads.

“Running became my career in 2004 and it has blossomed from there. I love running. But I could only dream of being able to run when I was younger. There weren’t the prosthetics or the funding mechanism for me to run until I was 28.”

Having always dreamed of running a marathon Richard achieved his goal in 2004 when he completed the New York marathon in 5hrs 18mins, representing Great Britain and wearing his first Össur prosthetics (Flex-Run). His love of marathon running has continued, and he now holds World Champion status in the full and half marathon.

40 Marathons in 40 Days

In 2013 following his success at the London 2012 Games, Richard wanted to use his increased profile for good. With support from his team, friends, family and sponsors, Richard completed a “40 Marathons in 40 Days” challenge from John O'Groats to Lands End, raising money for Sarcoma UK and Scope, both charities very close to his heart.

Today, as a member of Team Össur, his accomplishments are many.  Sporting Össur’s Flex-Run Blade, Richard is a Paralympic gold medalist, IPC European Championship gold medalist and IPC World Championship gold medalist.  Nicknamed ‘Richard the Lionheart,’ his powerful movements and determination on the field leave adults and children alike wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

“Many people say that I am an inspiration. All I can say is that I am an athlete, who has been given the opportunity to run.”