A promising cross-country champion has had his dreams dashed by Australia’s top athletics body because he suffers from a form of dwarfism.
Year 9 student Hugo Russell, from Sydney’s North Shore, has already proven his abilities as a long-distance runner, but he has been told that not only will he not be allowed to compete in this year’s national titles, he will also be unable to compete to future events.
Hugo was born with the genetic condition achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism.
So far, it hasn’t stopped him from excelling in athletics. He says he likes the adrenaline and pushing himself to the limit because that makes him happy.
Hugo has carried the spirits of his best friends and classmates on his shoulders.
They cheered him on every year as he ran competitively.
But a new rule adopted by School Sports Australia means he will not be allowed to compete in long-distance events.
The rule was adopted by Athletics Australia based on a perceived health risk to people of short stature who travel long distances.
Hugo, a year 9 student, is not allowed to compete in long-distance running events due to his dwarfism
Hugo and his mother Alicia Hannan are blindsided by the rule change.
‘It’s really sad, I see the joy that Hugo gets when he participates… there aren’t that many opportunities for children with disabilities to be successful and it’s really sad to see that, as a mother, that’s becoming his snatched away and for no reason,” she shared Seven news.
Mrs Hannan does not understand why her son has been excluded and points out that Hugo has individual medical clearance to continue running.
“It’s the thing I love most and it was taken from me,” Hugo said.
‘I love the feeling of adrenaline.
‘Halfway through my run I get the feeling that I can’t stop or I’ll be so disappointed in myself and I just like that feeling of running and it just makes me happy.’
Hugo’s mother said she was disappointed in the decision, as a dwarfism expert called for the decision to be reversed
Hugo was born with the genetic condition achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism
World-renowned dwarfism expert Professor Ravi Savarirayen criticized the ‘unfounded’ statement.
“There’s really no medical reason why it should be a problem at all,” he told 2GB.
Mr Savarirayen has written to the School Sports Australia board in support of Hugo and other children with a similar condition.
He cited the benefits of competing as a classified athlete as significant for both physical and mental health reasons.
Paralympic swimming medalist Sarah Rose has also called for the rule to be overturned.
‘Let’s be kind in a world where we can be anything. “I really hope this decision can be reversed,” she said.
2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham also weighed in on the saga.
“Based on expert medical advice, and the rest of us wanting to honor a determined young man, I say let Hugo run,” he said.