Paralympic legend Richard Whitehead: 'Inclusion isn't optional'

Legendary Paralympic sprinter Richard Whitehead wants more accessible facilities, equipment and better-trained coaches to ensure disabled children have equal opportunities to participate in sport.

Paralympic legend Richard Whitehead insists "inclusion isn't optional" as he continues to fight to give disabled children a fair shot in sport.

The double-leg amputee sprinter believes more needs to be done to ensure disabled athletes have equal opportunities, highlighting how vital accessible facilities, equipment and better-trained coaches are for making sports more inclusive.

And as well as inspiring the next generation, his biggest motivation to bring about change is showing that disability will never define a person's limits.

Richard, 50, exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "What drives me is knowing that every time I step onto a start line, I’m not just running for myself, I’m running for everyone who’s been told their disability defines their limits.

"I’ve lived that experience, and I know how powerful it is to see someone who looks like you, moves like you, or faces similar barriers achieving something that once felt out of reach.

"If my performances help a young athlete with disabilities believe they belong in sport, or give them the confidence to take that first step, then that’s the real win.

"I want the next generation to grow up knowing that disability is not a disadvantage, it’s part of their story, and it can be a source of strength.

"That belief keeps me moving forward. Every record, every race, every challenge is an exciting opportunity to show what’s possible and to make sure the future is wider, clearer, and more inclusive for the next generation."

Ultimately, the two-time Paralympic gold medallist says awareness is not enough, adding that practical steps need to be taken to allow disabled people to participate in sport.

The star, who set up the Richard Whitehead Foundation in 2021 to inspire disabled people to get active and involved in sport and physical activity, said: "Sport has the power to change lives, but right now that power isn’t reaching everyone.

"If we want people with disabilities to have truly equal opportunities, we need to move beyond awareness and into action.

"That means investing in accessible facilities, providing adaptive equipment, and ensuring coaches and organisations have the training and confidence to support athletes with disabilities at every level.

"We also need to challenge the mindset that inclusion is optional. It isn’t. It has to be built into the foundations of how sport is designed, funded and also delivered."

The world's fastest bilateral knee-amputee marathon runner believes representation is crucial, and disabled people need to see athletes like himself competing and succeeding to realise they too can achieve their sporting dreams.

Richard said: "Representation matters too; young people with disabilities need to see athletes who look like them competing, leading and succeeding.

"Progress is being made, but there’s still a long way to go. Equality in sport won’t happen by accident, it will happen when we commit to removing barriers, widening pathways, and creating environments where everyone has the chance to participate, compete and to thrive.

"That’s the future I want to help build."

Richard thinks one initiative that can help is the Variety Disability Sports Awards, which recognise those making an impact both on and off the field and create more opportunities for disabled people to participate and thrive.

Money raised through the Variety Disability Sports Awards 2026 will support life-changing work with disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK, providing specialist equipment, accessible transport and vital practical support.

He said: "The Variety Disability Sports Awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine an important spotlight on just some of the individuals and organisations who ensure that a person's disability is never a barrier to being involved in sport.

"The awards celebrate all abilities and all ages, and the life-changing impact of true inclusion and opportunities in sport."

Laurence Guinness, CEO of Variety, the Children's Charity, commented: "Every child deserves the chance to play, compete and belong.

"The Variety Disability Sports Awards are about opening the doors to sport for disabled children and young people who too often find them closed through lack of resources or support, and about shining a light on the coaches, clubs and young athletes doing extraordinary things at grassroots level, far from the spotlight.

"Our awards say to every one of them, you are seen, you matter, and this is your moment."

At the 2026 awards ceremony, held at Soho Place in London’s West End, on October 12, Richard received the Soho Place Outstanding Individual Achievement Award for his achievements in athletics.

Matthew Knoesen, 16, was also recognised in the category for his achievements in tennis.

The Variety Disability Sports Awards 2026 winners:

Fiona Anderson Award for Rising Star:

Melanie Woods

Mountpark Award for Innovation:

Picture News, represented by Katie Harrison

Boccia England

Variety International Award for Active and Inclusive School:

St Christopher’s School

Nimbus Disability Award for Unsung Hero:

Peter Wyman

Rick Rodgers