- Hugo Russell, ninth grader, banned from competing
- Decision of Australia’s highest athletic body
- Hugo has a form of dwarfism, but running is his passion
- The young man recently met the cult hero Nedd Brockmann
The teenager controversially banned by Australia’s top athletics body because he suffers from a form of dwarfism was elated after meeting cult hero Nedd Brockmann in person.
Year 9 student Hugo Russell, from Sydney’s North Shore, was recently told that not only is he banned from competing in this year’s national titles, but he will also not be able to compete in future events.
Marathon runner Brockmann found out about Hugo’s situation and on Friday he invited the young man to run a lap with him at the Sydney Athletic Centre.
On the track, the pair talked about how Brockmann wants Hugo to become Challenge Champion for Nedd’s. Awkward challenge.
Hugo was born with the genetic disorder achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism.
Until now, that has not stopped him from excelling in athletics, stating that he loves to push himself to the limit because it makes him happy.
But a new rule adopted by School Sports Australia means he is now banned from running in long-distance competitions.
The rule was broadcast by Athletics Australia, based on a perceived health risk for short people like Hugo who run long distances.
Teenager Hugo Russell was elated after meeting cult Australian sporting hero Nedd Brockmann in person on Friday in Sydney.
Hugo suffers from achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism
Hugo, a year 9 student in Sydney, has been banned from competing in long-distance running events by Australia’s top athletics body because of his dwarfism.
Marathon runner Brockmann found out about Hugo’s situation and invited the young man to run a lap with him on the Sydney Athletic Center track.
Brockmann, the man who was the talk of the nation when he raced from Perth to Bondi in just 47 days, has thrown his support behind Hugo.
The Australian electrician is currently attempting to break the record for the fastest 1,000 miles (or 1,610 km) on foot on the Sydney Olympic Park athletics track.
Brockmann’s friend and business partner James Ward said they had been inspired by Hugo’s story.
“We’re looking for challenge champions and we think Hugo sounds like a challenge champion,” Ward said. Ben Fordham in 2GB.
“We want him to come to Homebush and we will dress him in the uniform that Nedd wears.
‘Puma is going to dress it with shoes. Nedd has his Nedd’s Milk; we will give him a year’s supply of milk so he can feed himself.
“His story inspires us and Nedd wants to inspire kids like Hugo.”
Brockmann dressed Hugo in Puma sportswear and also gave him a year’s worth of chocolate milk (pictured, after a previous race).
Brockmann attempts to run 1,600 km (1,000 miles) in 10 days; He became a sporting legend after running from Perth to Sydney to raise awareness and funds for the homeless.
Brockmann’s massive run captured the nation’s attention, as thousands gathered in North Bondi to cheer on the exhausted 24-year-old as he achieved his lofty goal.
The historic race wasn’t just for personal glory, as it helped raise more than $2.2 million for Australian homeless charity We Are Mobilise.
That same charity is at the center of its new record attempt with an even bolder goal set by Brockmann of raising $10 million.