Norwich School Blog

Dr Richardson Pays Tribute to a Paralympic Legend

Last weekend, Dr Glen Richardson made his debut at international level, for the Ireland veterans orienteering team. He reported back that he thoroughly enjoyed his first taste of international orienteering, despite a gruelling 12km individual race on the Saturday, and a shorter relay race on the Sunday. England come in as overall winners and although Ireland 'received the wooden spoon' (Dr Richardson's own words!), he assured us the whole weekend was great fun and he was made to feel welcome as they studied old maps on the Friday night and enjoyed a meal together on Saturday.

As with all good athletes, Dr Richardson is inspired by others in his field, and here he pays tribute to a Paralympic legend who, as Dr Richardson made his international competing debut, retired from competitive sport…

Tribute to a Paralympic Legend

"On a Tuesday night in the summer of 2019, I ran an 800m race at an open meet over in Ireland. This race held no particular importance for anyone, but it is memorable for me for 2 reasons. One reason is that I ran the fastest time of my life, 2:02.95, but more than that, I came within inches of beating one of the stars of London 2012.

Coming off the final bend, we were shoulder to shoulder. I felt I was flying and had him beaten, but he made one final surge and beat me to the line. I hadn’t recognized him before the race, but as we all recovered and shook hands afterwards, I realized this man was Michael McKillop, Paralympic 800m and 1500m champion in Beijing, London and Rio. On the one hand, I was exhilarated to have raced with such a legend. On the other, I was gutted that he had beaten me! When will I next get a chance to beat an Olympic champion and world record holder?

The experience has changed my perspective on Paralympians. I had previously seen them almost as existing in a different realm. To be admired and respected, but not as direct competitors. But now I’d run the race of my life alongside this man, and he still beat me. I’ve taken a keen interest in his career since that day, and it turns out he is also a really nice guy. A true inspiration.

Michael retired from top-level athletics this week. Here is a bit of his announcement:

“A special mention to my parents, without them this dream couldn’t have happened. From a young age they believed in me and gave me the opportunity to TRY. Having a child diagnosed with a disability is any parents worst nightmare. They gave me the courage to embrace my differences, encouraging me to use them to me advantage. These differences allowed me to dream of becoming an international runner one day.

Something I took full advantage of over the last 16 years. They have given me the platform to become an accomplished athlete on the world stage, helping my dreams come true.

I am happily running away from competitive Paralympic sport knowing that I gave it my all. See you all on a start line somewhere soon to have some fun!”

Happy retirement Michael!"

Thank you Dr Richardson for such a fitting tribute and the Norwich School community wishes you every success in future competitions with the Ireland veterans orienteering team.