So many people like me think of Tough Mudder as a place to challenge yourself and create bonds through teamwork. For me as an adaptive athlete in a wheelchair this is no different, but I must truly rely on my team to even get me past the start line. In addition to being in a wheelchair I have neurodivergent conditions such as Tourette’s, autism and ADHD which make mud, water and busy environments hell for me and usually this is the case BUT at Tough Mudder something changes, and it becomes magical. No, it doesn’t mean that my sensory issues go away, it means I am in a different frame of mind, to push myself, challenge myself and fight harder to achieve.
Having the best team in the world means that I can get through this and achieve to prove to anyone that anything is possible. Tough Mudder is not just about physical obstacles it’s about team bonding, and creating friendships that will last a lifetime. This is the story of how I conquered Mudderhorn.
“After 7 hours of gruelling terrain at Tough Mudder Yorkshire, we reached one of the final obstacles: the dreaded Mudderhorn – a 40ft A-frame, with one hell of drop. We looked at it and I said to my 2 team leaders: “I trust if you think you can get me over it then lets try”. My team mate: Michelle then organised a big shoutout out to everyone in the Festival Village to come and cheer me on and help out if they could. The village cleared as spectators, volunteers, the army and just about everyone headed over to Mudderhorn to give me a mountain of support. I can’t describe the feeling I felt when they were cheered me on, lifted, pulled and pushed me upwards, and it’s that support that made the impossible possible for me that day. Navigating this obstacle was tough but achievable thanks to the most amazing team around me.
“I didn’t realise that day that I was going to be the first adaptive athlete in a wheelchair to get over Mudderhorn in Europe, but it happened. I’m scared of heights and about half way up I couldn’t hold on any longer and Michelle told me to let go we’ve got you. I closed my eyes and let go, my team had me and I didn’t move. Eventually we reached the top. It was scary, but I knew that we had done it I trusted my team so I also felt incredibly safe.
“I want everyone to try a Tough Mudder because with the best team you can succeed at anything and this extends to the obstacles you face in everyday life too. Tough Mudder is a prime example of how communities grow, how people bond and more than anything, how dreams come true”.
Learn more about the Adaptive Athlete Programme.
