Meet our Superhero ambassadors
We are super-proud to introduce you to six new Superheroes joining our growing ambassador family! POW! You'll see from their super stories, they all have super-different backgrounds, ages, sportiness & superpowers, showing this Series truly is for everyone. What unites them is a super-bright, give-it-a-go spirit that has seen them turn many obstacles into opportunities. They'd LOVE to give you the encouragement you need to find your power & join them at our next super mission!
Founder Sophia Warner
The bionic force behind this epic series is Paralympian Sophia Warner. “I’m thrilled to introduce my ambassadors & my inspiration for the Series. Please sign up & join us. I promise you won’t regret it!”
Sophia’s superpower: Energising tenacity.
Andi
Always smiling, joking & having fun, this ambassador is a super ray of sunshine at our events! But her experience of sport hasn’t always been so positive. “All through my childhood I was the last to get picked for teams as I was clumsy, uncoordinated & slow,” says Andi, who was (“finally”) diagnosed with hypermobility spectrum disorder aged 40. “As a result, I basically gave up on physical activity at an early age.”
But when she discovered the Superhero Series all that changed. Andi began by doing one tri stage at our live summer event & soon progressed to all three using her trike Trixie, Wilma her Wheely-Walker & her hydrotherapy floatation belt – with her super Sidekick husband Ben by her side. She’s also won a place in our Celebrity Tri – more than once! – proved an awesome At Home Team Captain & is one of our super-worthy New Year Honours recipients for her super leadership & Superhero Series support.
“No matter what your difficulties or differences might be, everyone is welcomed with open arms into the wonderful Superhero Series *Family*,” says Andi. “It has been wonderful to watch some of the younger participants flourish & blossom over the years.”
It’s been wonderful to see you unleash your superpowers too Andi! Since captaining our virtual race, Andi has established a virtual team of kindred spirits from around the world who continue to support & motivate each other through their many super sporting missions, & is always on the lookout for new members. An ambassador extraordinaire! POW!
Ethan
This teen has Superhero spirit in spades! Ethan lives with an ultra-rare progressive genetic condition called MPS6 & has had surgery almost every year since his diagnosis aged two. “But I’ve been brought up to believe that I can do anything I set my mind to,” says Ethan. “It can be hard, but I push through & always feel great after I’ve achieved my goals.”
Like many great Superheroes, Ethan has a trusty band of Sidekicks by his side: his mum, dad, brother & sister - AKA the Fantastic Five! This super gang hold an annual ‘Wear Blue Day’ where they ask people from all around the world to wear something blue (Ethan’s favourite colour) & come together to celebrate differences. They have raised over £60,000 so far. A fantastic family indeed!
Ethan’s accomplishments include an impressive number of Superhero missions, each resulting in a well-deserved deposit in his self-esteem bank. “I love how much confidence & pride it oozes into you,” Ethan explains. “I also love seeing kids, many just like me, who would otherwise struggle, being able to have fun with others with a look of pride & a huge smile on their face. It gives me the greatest feeling of joy.”
If you are feeling enthused to try a Superhero mission, Ethan has some super advice to end on: “When you get out there, just have the time of your life & lots of fun like I have. Hopefully you will find confidence you never knew you had!”
Ethan’s superpower: “Resilience, which enables me to bounce back from something difficult stronger than before!”
Harley
Superheroes don’t come more super than Harley! He has four Guiness World Records, was awarded Fundraiser of the Year in the BBC Solent Region Make a Difference awards, has scaled the O2 arena, completed multiple sporting missions, from Superhero Tris to the London Marathon – & all since having his right foot amputated in 2018. With his prosthetic foot & Alinker walking bike, there’s simply no stopping him!
“I’ve achieved so many great things since my amputation that I thought would be impossible,” says Harley, who also has autism, OCD & Tourette’s. “Me, a triathlete! I have shown that disabilities don’t to have to be disabling.”
By his side through thick & thin are his mum Vanessa, younger brother Eden & Superhero Series teddy bear, Rick, handmade by Mum from one of his Superhero Series T-shirts! You’ll also see Harley wearing a super smile & sparkly golden cape he received as one of our debut Super New Year Honours recipients. You can see why!
One of the things he loves best about the Superhero Series is being part of an inspirational community & “especially seeing the children look up to the grown-up Everyday Superheroes knowing that, no matter what, they can be Superheroes too!” Come join Harley & unleash your superpowers!
Harley’s superpower: “My HEROIC FORTITUDE. No matter the challenge, I will always complete it. I tell myself every day that I AM STRONG.”
Owen
A SUPER welcome to the amazing Owen! This determined Superhero has completed every single mission to date, including literally thousands of laps of his living room during the Covid lockdown, with his trusty Sidekick cat, Oreo, by his side! He also proved a complete natural at leading his SUPER TEAM virtually across the world for our 2024 At Home challenge, giving his all to motivate others.
“I loved being a Team Captain & seeing everyone supporting each other,” her recalls. “Now I am super-proud to be a Superhero Series ambassador & would encourage everyone to put your cape on & find your power!” You can see why he’s also earned his place on our debut New Year Honours List 2024!
Owen was diagnosed with three super-rare syndromes in 2017 & lost his mobility only two months later. “Superhero Series was the first event I did as a full-time wheelchair user & it changed everything,” recalls Owen. “It gave me the confidence to take part in a lot more sport & activity.”
We asked Owen what he loves best about the events. “First, is taking part & making friends,” he explains. “It’s great being a part of the Superhero Series family.” The feeling’s mutual Owen! “The second is the smiles of the Superheroes. At Dorney, especially at the finish line & online on the social platforms, you never see a sad face. Ever!”
Owen’s superpower: “Determination & my curly hair. I am like Samson. Last year I was poorly & my hair fell out. But it is growing back & I am getting stronger.”
Sam
The past successes & future hopes of this ambassador are all truly super! Sam, who was diagnosed with autism aged four, is the Guinness World Record holder for becoming the first autistic person to complete at the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in 2022. POW! He plans to become the world’s first professional triathlete with autism & “motivate people who are like me & look like me to believe that they can do amazing things”. With his super attitude, we believe he absolutely can!
Over the years, Sam has tried many super sports to help improve his confidence & social & fine motor skills, including ice-skating, hockey, swimming & Judo. But his heart lies in triathlon & we’re super lucky to have been able to welcome him & his super Sidekicks, Mum & Dad, to our events since the very beginning.
“The Superhero Series events are my favourite,” says Sam. “It’s better than running a marathon or doing an Ironman triathlon. I think the events are magical because they allow people & families to get engaged in sport. It doesn’t matter if you walk or run or are in a wheelchair, there is a place for you at Superhero Series.” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
Sam’s superpower: “I never give up.”
Carmela
This Superhero was only four years old when she attended her first Superhero event, but straight away we could see she was a little star. Her big heart & personality have seen her feature in our super highlights programmes, win a place in our Celebrity Tris & help warm up participants on stage at our live missions. She even stars in a children’s book & has done a spot of TV presenting for our super events!
The 10-year-old has a progressive muscle-wasting condition called LMNA Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, which has also led to further health conditions, including Lipodystrophy & liver disease, so a strict diet & as much exercise as possible are super important. But limited energy & muscle strength makes exercising very difficult.
“I try to stay motivated by helping others in similar situations,” explains Carmela. “I share positive thoughts, exercises & activities online, & fundraise for charities to give hope to other children like me.” With thousands of online followers & a staggering £400,000 raised to date, it’s clear her super efforts are having an amazing impact on people’s lives.
Carmela also keeps her spirits high by giving her all at our Superhero missions every year, along with her Sidekick Mum & Dad, & four-legged friend Tinker the toy poodle. “They all have to try to keep up with my superpower SPEED, as I whizz around the route on my adapted trike & powerchair!” she says. “Being part of the Superhero Series is like being part of a second family because of the comradeship, inclusion, the buzz & awesome atmosphere. I wouldn't want to miss it for the world.” It’s Superheroes like Carmela that make our events so super!
Carmela’s superpower: “SPEED!”
Jenni, Steve & ‘Tiny Tornado’ Eve
What a privilege it has been to watch our youngest ambassador blossom since our debut event. This cheeky, determined Superhero certainly knows when there’s a crowd watching & took her first-ever independent steps at a Superhero ‘Come & Tri day’ when Channel 4 just happened to be filming her!
“That was the single best moment,” recalls Supermum Jenni who, along with Superdad Steve, is a big lover of sport. “We always intended to be an active family but when we first had Eve, who has an extremely rare chromosome condition & epilepsy, we wondered whether it was still going to be possible. Superhero Series shows that it definitely is!”
You will see Team Williams taking part as a family at every Superhero event & they hope to encourage other families to give it a try alongside them. “These events give everyone an equal chance to experience the true power of sport – the thrill of competing, the camaraderie, the sense of achievement,” says Jenni. “That’s why it’s the best sporting event in the world.”
Tiny Tornado Eve’s superpower: “Determination, cheekiness, an infectious love of life & a nose-crinkling grin that can light up the darkest corners of the universe!”
Jenni’s superpower: “A very well developed Mummy instinct coupled with a grizzly bear-style protective streak.”
Steve’s superpower: “The ability to make Eve laugh in a way that no-one else can.”
Chloe & Stephan
This father & daughter team are nothing short of remarkable. They have completed hundreds of sporting challenges together over the years, including half marathons, marathons, duathlons, triathlons & more, showing what’s possible with the right equipment, support & super spirit.
At previous Superhero Tri events, it’s been known for this duo to complete four missions in one day – yes four! – using their super-cool kayak, which Stephan used to tow Chloe for the swim stage, before attaching her racing chair to his bike for the cycle & lastly disconnecting it for the glory push/run home.
“Over the past few years we’ve been encouraging Chloe, who has cerebral palsy, global developmental delay & visual impairment, to wheel herself more & more with me guiding her & she’s loving it!” explains Stephan. “When it’s my turn to pull & push, she keeps me going with her laughter & words of encouragement. She gives me the strength to take on anything.”
Chloe’s superpower: “Inspiration.”
Stephan’s superpower: “Determination.”
Sonic Sofia
It’s easy to spot ‘Team Sofia’ at our events. Kitted out from head to toe in purple, Sonic Sofia & her super crew of friends & family spread energy & enthusiasm wherever they go.
This special spark has served our sports-mad ambassador well & when she was only two years old she conquered a super-bug. “I contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia, which caused a lot of damage to my right leg & my left leg had to be amputated to save my life,” explains Sofia. “But I don’t let it stop me doing what I love – sport!” Sofia’s many passions include racing on her handcycle, Phoenix, & competing at dressage events.
The teen has also smashed countless sporting challenges over the years with her family, fundraising many thousand of pounds for Meningitis Research Foundation along the way. We can’t wait to see what this real-life Supergirl does next!
Sofia’s superpower: “Supersonic sprinting speed.”
Sophie Christiansen
Is there nothing our resident Wonder Woman can’t do? Sophie graduated with a first-class Masters in mathematics, leading to a high-pressure job as a City analyst, which, until recently, she juggled with an illustrious sporting career that saw her become an eight-time Paralympic dressage champion! She also has two Superhero aliases Ambassador & Celebrity Team Captain!
The highlight of the Series for Sophie is “meeting my amazing competition-winning teammates & their families who all overcome challenges with a smile”. From the look on their faces on event day, the feeling’s mutual!
“We need more events like these where ability, age, gender & disability don't matter – nor how you complete it,” says Sophie. “I love riding my recumbent trike & what sets these events apart is the fact that I can compete alongside my boyfriend, who loves running.
“These events are also great fun &, over the years, have provide me a much-needed release from the stresses of elite sport!”
Sophie’s superpower: “Always striving to be the best I can be.”
Freya
We’re super-pleased to be able to introduce you to the fabulous Freya, who is a shining example of the superpower of sport. Previously quiet & isolated, Freya has found new purpose & confidence since joining her local swimming group, the Tadcaster Stingrays, & taking part in our Superhero events. “This Series has introduced us to a whole new world where no explanations are needed & everyone just gets on with being a part of sport,” says Freya’s mum Kristen. “It’s been a game-changer for us.”
Freya is now one busy Superhero. She’s the proud owner of multiple Stingray medals, is a Special Olympics member, part of two dance clubs, a drama club, volunteers locally and is studying at an academy, where she works on the regular newsletter. She’s also a regular at our events, of course, along with her Sidekick brother.
When asked what she hopes to achieve in this role, Freya says: “To help children to be the best children in the whole world, to get involved in swimming, cycling & running, & to get everyone together.” Now these are goals we can get behind.
Freya’s superpower: “To cycle really fast.” Mum Kristen adds: “Freya's steely determination, not seeing her disabilities as a barrier & her remarkable ability to make everyone feel happy. Her most used phrase is, ‘I can do this!’”
