British Paralympian opens up about the obstacles in sport – following his 77th marathon run

British Paralympian Richard Whitehead has opened up about the obstacles he faced getting opportunities in sport following his 77th marathon run.
The Team GB star, who was born without both legs, has competed for Britain in both sledge hockey and athletics.
And he competed in the London marathon on Sunday.
But Richard has spoken about the adversity he faced throughout his childhood and into his professional career.
Despite his success, he was denied the opportunity to compete in the marathon at the London 2012 games after the International Paralympic Committee, the governing body of the sporting movement, said his disability was not recognised for his favoured event.
The 46-year-old, from Nottingham, said: “The Paralympics have highlighted the possibilities for disabled, but the Paralympic movement isn’t inclusive as it doesn’t offer an inclusive event for every disability.
“So, it still has its challenges and for me it needs to encompass the disabled community and invest more time in developmental sport to offer a legacy within sport for everybody.”
“I started running marathons, but it wasn’t included in the Paralympics. I had to diversify my training into the 200 metres, and I was successful there.
“I’ve always had those challenges within diversity, equality and inclusion but it’s always been a challenge I’ve accepted because my thought process is to be proactive rather than reactive.”
Working with Nissan as a diversity, equity and inclusion ambassador for the car brand’s Possibilities Project, Richard is now motivated to help everyone get a fair share of opportunity.
They provide running prosthetics, as well as support and mentorship to young people with limb loss, amputation, or limb difference, whilst helping to create better sporting participation opportunities for young disabled people.
He said: “There’s a real issue within the UK around getting young people with disability more active and support.
“There are provisions within the NHS which supports people under