Australia’s top athletics body has quashed a promising cross country champion’s dreams because he suffers from a form of dwarfism.
Year 9 student Hugo Russell, from Sydney’s North Shore, has already demonstrated his skills as a long-distance runner, but has been told that not only is he banned from competing in this year’s national titles, he will also not be able to compete in future events.
Hugo was born with the genetic disorder achondroplasia, which is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism.
Until now, that had not prevented him from excelling in athletics, stating that he loves adrenaline and pushing himself to the limit because it is what makes him happy.
Hugo has carried the spirits of his best friends and classmates on his shoulders.
They have cheered him on every year as he ran competitively.
But a new rule adopted by School Sports Australia means he is banned from running in long-distance competitions.
The rule was broadcast by Athletics Australia, based on a perceived health risk for short people running long distances.
Hugo, a ninth-grade student, has been banned from competing in long-distance running events due to his dwarfism.
Hugo and his mother Alicia Hannan were surprised by the rule change.
‘It’s really sad, I see the joy that Hugo feels when he competes… there aren’t many opportunities for children with disabilities to succeed and it’s really sad to see that, as a mother, taken away from him and for no reason. ‘ she said Seven news.
Mrs. Hannan does not understand why her son has been banned and points out that Hugo has an individual medical authorization to continue racing.
“It’s what I love the most and it’s been taken away from me,” Hugo said.
‘I like the feeling of adrenaline.
“Halfway through the race I feel like I can’t stop otherwise I’ll be really disappointed in myself and I just like that feeling of running and it makes me happy.”
Hugo’s mother said she was disappointed by the decision, as a dwarfism expert called for the decision to be overturned.
Hugo was born with the genetic disorder achondroplasia, which is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism.
Professor Ravi Savarirayen, a world-renowned dwarfism expert, criticized the decision as “baseless”.
“There’s actually no medical reason why it should be a problem,” he told 2GB.
Savarirayen has written to the board of School Sports Australia in support of Hugo and other children with a similar condition.
He cited that the benefits of participating as a classified athlete were significant for both physical and mental health reasons.
Paralympic swimming medalist Sarah Rose also called for the rule to be overturned.
‘In a world where we can be anything, let’s be kind. “I really hope this decision can be reversed,” he said.
2GB breakfast presenter Ben Fordham also weighed in on the saga.
“Based on (the) expert medical advice, and the rest of us who want to celebrate a determined young man, I say we let Hugo run,” he said.