Startling development in case of champion runner Hugo Russell after he was banned from the sport because he has dwarfism

• Hugo Russell given green light to compete
• Previously banned by Athletics Australia
• Youngster born with short-limbed dwarfism

By ANDREW PRENTICE AND JAMES COONEY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Athletics Australia have reversed their decision to ban teenager Hugo Russell from competing because he has a form of dwarfism.

Hugo attends St Augustine’s College at Brookvale on Sydney’s northern beaches – and running is the youngster’s passion.

He was born with the genetic disorder achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism.

A promising cross-country athlete, a controversial new rule adopted by School Sports Australia (SSA) saw Hugo forbidden from running in long-distance competitions.

The rule was passed down by Athletics Australia, based on a perceived health risk to short-statured people running long distances.

Hugo and his mum Alicia Hannan were previously blindsided by the rule change.

Athletics Australia have reversed their decision to ban teenager Hugo Russell from competing because he suffers from a form of dwarfism (pictured, with Aussie cult hero Nedd Brockmann)

Hugo attends St Augustine’s College at Brookvale on Sydney’s northern beaches – and running is the youngster’s passion

He was born with the genetic disorder achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism

‘It’s really sad, I see the joy that Hugo gets when he’s competing… there’s not that many opportunities for kids with disabilities to have success and it’s really sad to see that, as a mother, ripped away from him,’ she told Seven News.

But after plenty of lobbying behind the scenes in recent months, Athletics Australia – led by CEO Simon Hollingsworth – have given Hugo the green light to take part in future events.

Understandably, Hugo was elated when chatting to 2GB’s Ben Fordham about the development. 

‘I’m super excited and amazed,’ he said on Thursday.

‘We kept believing and pressing for them [Athletics Australia] to make a change.’ 

His mum Alicia added: ‘This has been a life lesson: never give up.’ 

Hugo now plans to compete at regional level with one eye on the nationals should he qualify – and one day, would love to compete at Olympic level in a yet-to-be-introduced dwarfism category.

Last October, Hugo met Aussie cult hero Nedd Brockmann in the flesh, with the pair running together on the athletics track at Sydney Olympic Park as well as at the youngster’s school in moving scenes.

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Startling development in case of champion runner Hugo Russell after he was banned from the sport because he has dwarfism

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