A heart-wrenching story is unfolding in Sydney as a 9-year-old cross-country champion has been told he cannot compete at national trials due to a new rule adopted by School Sport Australia. Hugo, who has achondroplasia, a common form of short-limbed dwarfism, has been dominating the state level for years but can no longer participate in long-distance events.
Hugo’s mother, Alicia, expressed sadness and frustration over the rule, saying it removes opportunities for kids with disabilities to achieve success. “I just don’t understand why, it doesn’t harm anyone else. It doesn’t affect anyone; he has individual medical clearance to do it and it’s just really hard to understand,” she said.
But despite the rule, a leading expert on dwarfism, Professor Ravi Savarirayen, disagrees, stating that there is no medical reason why Hugo should be prohibited from running. “There’s actually no medical reason why it should be a problem at all,” he said.
Hugo himself is devastated by the news, saying that “I like the feeling of adrenaline. Halfway through the run, I get a feeling that I can’t stop, otherwise I’ll be so disappointed in myself, and I just like that feeling of running and it just makes me happy.”
The new rule has sparked outrage among many, who believe it is unfair to prohibit Hugo from participating in the sport he loves due to his disability. The incident has highlighted the importance of inclusion and accessibility in sports, and many are calling for the rule to be reevaluated.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Hugo’s passion for running remains unwavered. And as he continues to chase his dreams, the world will be watching to see if the new rule will be reconsidered and Hugo will be given the opportunity to prove himself on the national stage.
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥!
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