Anthony Bryan: A story of resilience, determination, and athletic excellence
In the world of sports, stories of triumph over adversity have the power to inspire and captivate audiences. This is precisely the case for Anthony Bryan, a Paralympic champion who has defied the odds and risen to prominence on the international stage.
At the age of six, Anthony faced a life altering challenge when a brain tumour left them with the loss of mobility on their left side. Medical professionals painted a challenging prognosis, suggesting a future without the physical activities most take for granted. However, he refused to accept these limitations.
Fast forward to the age of 16, and an encounter with a compassionate PE teacher introduced Anthony to the world of Paralympic sports, a realm they had never imagined. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would redefine their capabilities and reshape his destiny.
“She showed me that I had a real grit and determination of never giving up and that I should join a running club.”
With determination as his compass, the long distance runner embarked on a journey that led them to the CPISRA World Games. In the 800m and 1500m events, Anthony Bryan not only competed but emerged triumphant, securing Gold medals in both categories in 2018. His stellar performance not only brought glory to their country but also served as a testament to the power of resilience and unwavering commitment.
Athletics for Anthony became more than just a sport; it became a transformative force. Before engaging in sports, they were a shy and self-conscious child. Through athletics, he found confidence, shattered personal boundaries, and discovered a profound sense of purpose.
“Athletics was a sport that changed my life! Before I did any sport I was a very shy, self conscious child especially with my disability, athletics is what brought me out of my comfort zone, built my confidence and showed me that I was good at something.
“My passion is athletics and competing at the highest level is what gets me fired up. With your help and funding I can use this for extra training sessions, extra training equipment and physio sessions.
“My aim for this year is to remain in the top 3 National Rankings on the Power of 10, competing at the regional and national championships and to complete the qualifying times for the Next CPISRA World Games.
His journey serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity, proving that challenges can be overcome with determination and passion.
Anthony has been training at Lee Valley Athletics Centre since 2010, where he started off as a sprinter before moving to middle distance in 2013.
“Lee Valley Athletics Centre is one of the best training facilities I have trained at not only does it create an outdoor training facility but also an indoor, or if you want to have a gym session after your track session it is all there for you and now it has a brand new shiny refurb it’s so nice to come in and use brand new gym equipment.
“The venue has everything you could ask for as an athlete; it even has ice baths to help aid with your recovery. It’s not just the facility that is great but there is a great team and vibe feeling at the centre as everyone there is an athlete trying to to achieve, a lot of the time everyone is supporting and encouraging everyone even when you might not know the person.
“My advice would be if you’re thinking of getting a membership go for it! It’s a place like no other, it’s not just a gym, it’s not just a track, it's a community that together help each other strive to achieve.”
Are you inspired by Anthony’s story? Why not sign up for a membership