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Thinking big

Sport has put me on a high


Published by: Amy thompson
Published on: 26th May 2011

To look at, you might think everything’s a real struggle for me. At 4ft 3in, a lot of things are out of my reach.
But despite being born with achondroplasia, or dwarfism, I’ve never let it stop me from achieving my goals.
‘You’re no different to anybody else,’ my mum Hazel, 43, reassured me when I was growing up. ‘And if anyone stares at you, just stare right back.’
The weird thing was, both she and my dad were pretty average heights. Even my brother, Thomas, 17, was 6ft!
While they could easily open cupboard doors or flick the kettle on, I relied on a step to help me get to stuff around the house.
Of course, I’d had my share of odd glances from curious strangers in the street too. Some of them even stopped in their tracks to get a good look, but none of it bothered me. And apart from the odd gawp, I was never bullied about my size at school.
So what if I was a dwarf? I was still like any other girl.
The only thing I would never be able to do was become a catwalk model – but neither will most average height girls!
When I developed a passion for sport at the age of 16, I scoured the internet for local athletic clubs. Nothing was going to stop me doing the things I loved and living life to the full.
Eventually, I came across the Dwarfs’ Athletics Association, and quickly joined up to train in discus, shot-putt and running. It was great.
‘You should compete,’ my trainer Lee, 40, said after a while. ‘You’ve got a natural talent. There’s a competition coming up soon. Why don’t you sign up for it?’
‘Sure,’ I beamed. ‘Sounds like fun.’
I started training even harder and, when the day of the World Dwarf Games arrived, my friends and family went along to Belfast, where the games were being held, to support me.
Yes, there was the odd difference – there was a step around the table tennis table so we could reach, and the basketball nets were lowered. But believe me, competition was as fierce as any athletics’ meet.
I enjoyed every second of the games, and even won in competitions against dwarfs much taller than me!
At the end of the day, I won gold in the 100 metre sprint, and two silver medals in the 60 metre sprint and the shot putt.
Not bad at all for a pint-sized punter!
‘They do say good things come in small packages,’ Dad said, winking proudly at me.
I got such a buzz from the competition that I’m now training hard to get in shape for the 2012 paralympics.
I know not everyone my height or smaller has the confidence to go out and brush off any ignorant comments.
To some dwarfs, the world is a big, scary place. But I hope seeing the things I’ve achieved will encourage them to go out and enjoy life.
After all, it’s the little things that make a big difference.
Leah Flack, 20, Sheffield, South Yorkshire