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 favorites 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. Richard was up for a challenge and entered the New York Marathon, representing Great Britain in 2004 wearing his first Össur prosthetics (Flex-Run)

“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.”

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.  He is a world record holder in full and half marathons and one of the world’s best sprinters – and the current Paralympic, World and European Champion in the T42 200m.  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.”