MEET OUR CELEBRITY COMPETITION WINNERS!
The celebrity relay is always a super highlight of Superhero Tri & we’re thrilled to reveal the awesome Superheroes whose super stories have won them the chance to unite with our Celebrity Team Captains at Dorney Lake on 20 August!
Meet the teams below & do come along & give them a big cheer on the day at 1pm!
TEAM ALEX BROOKER
Swim: Celebrity Team Captain Alex Brooker
Comedian & TV presenter: With two At Home Superheroes events in the bag, this comedy king is stepping up to his first-ever live Superhero event & has found two super-fun Superheroes to join him! Using a mighty mix of banter & belly laughs to power his team along, his super teammates are in for a treat!
Bike: Superhero Jibreel Khan
Earth years: 8
Jibreel’s SUPER story: Jibreel has a condition that impacts on his ability to walk more than a few steps without his sticks. He used to fall over lots but kept working super hard. Sometimes doing his exercises every day is tiring, but his loves going swimming with his dad as it helps him to be strong, just like his dad! After all his super efforts, Jibreel can now get around with speed & control using his super yellow sticks & is eager to flex his super wheeling skills on the day too!
Jibreel’s superpower: Swimming
Push/run: Superhero Carmela Chillery Watson
Earth years: 8
Carmela’s SUPER story: Every day this SUPER Superhero uses her social media powers to help show other children like her how to live life to the full. Over the past two years, Carmela has only been able to attend school for 100 days, but has turned even this into a positive, using the time to do seven fundraising events for Muscular Dystrophy UK & she’s helped to raise over £400,000 in all to date! She also taught her physiotherapy exercises to others online, with over 50,000 people taking part. Unsurprisingly, her super efforts have earned her a plethora of super awards. Since lock down began, Carmela has lost more muscle & movement, & can no longer race on her trike & frame runner, which she has used for her past Superhero events. But she is as determined as ever to show other children like her you can still be active no matter how you do it.
Carmela’s SUPER Sidekick: Mum Lucy
Carmela’s superpower: I NEVER give up
Carmela’s gadgets & gismos: Her walker
TEAM BRIONY WILLIAMS
Swim: Superhero Shiren Goush
Earth years: 30
Shiren’s SUPER story: An assistant psychologist, Shiren works with young refugees & children in foster care, & is soon to start her doctorate in clinical psychology. She grew up in Singapore & was a boxer on the Singapore national team. She went deaf in 2014 due to a hereditary condition & found it made her feel more confident when fighting as it was peaceful in the ring. She went on to win the first international gold medal for the Singapore female boxing team! She moved to the UK in 2016 &, after her Masters, mentored young people from marginalised communities using boxing & therapeutic skills. She was awarded the Bristol Diversity Award for being a positive role model for gender in recognition if her work empowering females in the Muslim community & is a This Girl Can Ambassador who is passionate about encouraging more ladies to participate in sports.
Shiren’s superpower: Being able to find hidden snacks!
Bike: Superhero Winston Tucker
Earth years: 12
Winston’s SUPER story: This super-chatty Superhero doesn’t let a recent hip operation stop him staying super-active! Winston, who has cerebral palsy, has a super selection of gadgets & gismos to assist him with his day-to-day missions, including his Kaye Walker, his wheelchair for distance & – his particular favourite – his KMX recumbent trike. You can often spot him wheeling on his KMX along the seafront where he lives; with his super straps to keep his feet on the pedals, there’s no stopping him!
Winston’s SUPER Sidekick: Mum Amanda
Winston’s superpower: Chat. I can get out of physio by talking lots!
Winston’s gadget’s & gismos: His KMX recumbent trike
Push/run: Celebrity Team Captain Briony Williams
TV presenter & Bake Off star: This super baker had so much fun at Winter Wonderwheels & her previous At Home events, she’s stepping up to her first-ever Superhero Tri! Luckily for Briony, she’s found two teammates with just the right ‘ingredients’ to ‘rise’ to the challenge beside her!
TEAM SOPHIE CHRISTIANSEN
Swim: Superhero Charlie Philips
Earth years: 7
Charlie’s SUPER story: Always smiling & giggling, this little Superhero has a big personality! After his most recent hospital stay, Charlie bounced back in his characteristic Superhero style, with the super help of his favourite hospital yoghurt & lots of cartoons! Charlie, who has Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome & epilepsy, loves getting involved & being part of social activities with friends. He’s currently getting to grips with his new walking frame so he doesn’t miss out on any action &, after watching friends take part at a previous Superhero Tri, he can’t wait to jump in this year!
Charlie’s SUPER Sidekicks: Mum Marianne & her partner Alex
Charlie’s superpower: Super bounce, as he always bounces back from illness! AKA “YO-YO BOY”!
Bike: Celebrity Team Captain Sophie Christiansen
Eight-time Paralympic equestrian champion: We’re lucky enough to have an equestrian legend in our midst! This real-life Wonder Woman always channels every ounce of energy into her Superhero missions & with these two superhero teammates by her side, she’s in for an especially SUPER day!
Push/run: Superhero Harley Salter
Earth years: 27
Harley’s SUPER story: One of our awesome Everyday Superhero Team Captains for this summer’s At Home Superheroes event, Harley will be using all his powers to motivate his super Iron Man Team on their epic virtual mission around the world, from 23 July to 20 August! After all his super work he definitely deserves a sport in the Celebrity Superhero Tri, ending his At Home mission with a KAPOW! As an amputee with autism & OCD, Harley has become a pro at adapting & has transformed his life to cater for his differences. He’s achieved some super missions along the way, from climbing over the O2 twice to attaining the Guinness World Record for the fastest 10km on a walking bike, just 15 months after having his foot amputated! Go Harley!
Harley’s gadgets & gismos: His Alinker walking bike
Harley’s superpower: My SUPER stamina
TEAM RICHARD WHITEHEAD
Swim: Superhero Harry de Gruchy-Wilson
Earth years: 10
Harry’s SUPER story! Over the years, Harry has had all sorts of super gadgets & gismos to help him on his way, from standing & walking frames to trikes, wheelchairs & a mini button to give him his bright pink super boosting medicine every day! He has learnt to walk, talk, eat & drink, which his mum was told would never happen. He also has lots of super sensory powers from his ADHD & autism! Harry has earned many Superhero medals & loves being part of a Superhero team. When he & his supermum Cirsty came to Dorney Lake for the first time, it transformed their world to see so many other amazing Superheroes & gadgets, & Harry hasn’t stopped since! He’s now notched up a number of children’s triathlons &, despite undergoing major surgery earlier this year & becoming very ill with Covid, Harry took on another triathlon just a few weeks ago, doing the swim & run on his own for the first time, making his mum & us super-proud!
Harry’s superpower: My cheekiness & constant noise!
Cycle: Superhero Jozef Worth
Earth years: 16
Jozef’s SUPER story: When Jozef was 19 months old, he contracted a strain of meningitis & was in hospital for six months. During this time, he lost his legs & most of his fingers & was adopted into another family. A king of creative self-expression, he unleashes his superpowers of imagination, art & acting to help him deal with his limb difference & is raring to don his cape & take on his latest Superhero role!
Jozef’s superpower: Predicting the future with my art
Jozef’s gadgets & gismos: His hand bike & prosthetic sport limbs
Push/run: Celebrity Team Captain Richard Whitehead
Paralympic champion: The two-time Paralympic 200m gold medallist is one SUPER sprinter, but his triumphs don’t stop there! He has set world records in the full & half marathon, & completed a remarkable 40 marathons in 40 days to become the first double leg amputee to run the length of the country – a total of 977 miles! He & his super team are definitely in the running!!
TEAM STEPHEN MILLER
Swim: Superhero Jodie Doyle
Earth years: 14
Jodie’s SUPER story: This team is blessed with a sporting superstar who loves footie, swimming & athletics, & has an array of medals to show for it! A regular Superhero at our live events since the very beginning, Jodie is super excited to be back out on the course again. Flying the flag for the superpower of sport, Jodie is currently learning to be a sports leader & is helping out at her first cross country event soon – the first of many, we’re sure!
Jodie’s SUPER Sidekicks: Pauline Jones
Jodie’s superpower: Humour
Cycle: Celebrity Team Captain Stephen Miller
Club Throw Paralympic champion: Stephen has represented Great Britain in no less than six Paralympics, winning a bounty of medals along the way! With leadership skills aplenty (he captained the male GB athletics team at London 2012), a wicked wit & some of the best super costumes we’ve seen at our events to date, Jamie & Jodie are in super hands.
Push/run: Superhero Jamie King
Earth years: 16
Jamie’s SUPER story: After working hard on his GCSEs, this Superhero is up for some super speedy fun! Jamie was born 16 weeks early & has cerebral palsy & a visual impairment, so he operates his wheelchair (& everything else) with his super-skilled chin & tongue. A seasoned Superhero racer, he likes either being pushed in his super buggy for the run section or pulled for the bike section, where he regularly tells his Sidekicks that they are not going fast enough! His Sidekicks recently got a second hand tandem, which should help with future missions, at least until they save up for a jetpack!
Jamie’s superpower: Naming corners of F1 tracks, elements in the periodic table & flags of the world.
Gadgets & gismos: A Super Delichon Delta buggy. The faster the better!
TEAM ANNE USHER
Swim: Superhero Toby Chadwick
Earth years: 12
Toby’s SUPER story: Toby has been a regular at our Superhero events since the very beginning & during that time his superpowers have grown! He’s progressed from doing the push/run, to the cycle & push/run &, most recently, all three stages, swimming in a lake for the very first time! Super effort Toby! His super family came & supported him & in turn he helped his school friends to compete, in a wonderful show of camaraderie that makes our events so super. Toby has a pile of athletics medals to add to his growing Superhero stash & is an avid football player to boot. A super sporting team player!
Toby’s superpower: Running VERY fast!
Cycle: Celebrity Team Captain Anne Usher
Paralympic canoe champion: Toby & Owen couldn’t ask for a more brilliant & bubbly Celebrity Team Captain than this Paralympian & two-time World paracanoe champion! The supermum & her super Sidekick husband, Simon, are a regular sight at our events on their tandem – always guaranteed to pedal super-hard & keep team spirits super high!
Push/run: Superhero Owen West
Owen’s SUPER story: A core member of our super community, Owen has never missed a mission! Having put his all into leading his Captain America Team on their virtual round-the-world mission for our At Home Superheroes event, from 23 to 20 August, this Everyday Superhero Team Captain will end his mission on a high at our live event! Owen will be using his wheelchair for his relay stage, which was gifted to him by a charity. This gift transformed his life & has made him SUPER-determined to fundraise so other Superheroes can have the same opportunities. Owen has three SUPER-rare syndromes that bring with them a multitude of daily challenges, but this Superhero is always smiling & sharing his super positivity with everyone around him.
Owen’s SUPER gadget: His wheelchair, of course!
Owen’s superpower: SUPER determination. Everything Owen does is accompanied with a smile!
TEAM AMY CONROY
Swim: Celebrity Team Captain Amy Conroy
Paralympic wheelchair basketball player & U25 World champion: A dynamo on & off the court, Amy co-captained the under 25s GB basketball team to victory at the 2015 Worlds & has represented her country at two Paralympics, helping to propel the team all the way to the semi-finals at Rio 2016 – its best-ever performance! She’s super-pumped to meet her winning teammates!
Cycle: Superhero Andi Wheeler
Andi’s super story: When Andi took part in the first-ever Superhero Tri back in 2017, it was the first time she had taken part in any kind of sporting event since she was at school. Since then, her superpowers have continued to flourish & over the years she has managed to expand the number of tri stages she has completed. Plus, she never misses the chance to dress up & dive into the super-fun spirit of our events, always adding her Superhero sparkle to every occasion. We’re super-excited she’ll be jumping in the fray once more this summer!
Push/run: Superhero Emerson Grant
Earth years: 7
Emerson’s SUPER story: Emerson is always ready to jump into a super mission with his Marvel wheels & signature smile! He has a spinal arachnoid cyst & is paralysed from the chest down, but continues to do everything he used to do, just in a slightly different way – quite often in a more fun way too. He has learned to adapt to many things in life, which has helped make him stronger in many ways. This Superhero already has a super stash of Superhero medals & can’t wait to add to his super collection this summer!
Emerson’s SUPER gadgets: My Nike Flyese trainers & my super-duper Marvel wheels.
Emerson’s superpower: I’m lightning fast & ‘supa’ furious!
TEAM JORDAN JARRETT-BRYAN
Swim: Superhero Jack Lord
Earth years: 15
Jack’s SUPER story: Jack first discovered the fun of Superhero missions during lockdown, when he helped his school hit its At Home Superheroes target last year. He rode his bike regularly & went on walks with his family to build those kms & loved the satisfaction of working hard & handing in his totals each week. As his sporting achievements have grown, so has his confidence & he’s super-syked to challenge himself to do his first-ever lake swim for the Celebrity Superhero Tri! We salute you Jack!
Jack’s superpower: Japanese food
Cycle: Celebrity Team Captain Jordan Jarrett-Bryan
TV sports reporter, DJ & journalist: This roving reporter is a former wheelchair basketball star & has Superhero spirit in abundance. A Celebrity Team Captain since the very beginning, he’ll be sharing his super experience to get the very best out of his super team. These are ones to watch!
Push/run: Superhero Jennifer Materman
Earth years: 37
Jennifer’s SUPER story:
Jennifer is one super-busy Superhero! Whether it’s trampolining with her kids, taking their super pup Jinx on adventures, creating arts & crafts, attending poetry groups, growing super veg, swimming or volunteering, she’s always sharing her superpowers of love & light with those around her. Jennifer, who has a tear in her spine & a clicky hip, has an equally super husband, son & daughter, whose generous spirits keep her supercharged so she can help support family & friends with their mental health, & campaign with the charity Mind to help make the hidden disabilities visible & give everyone a voice.
Jennifer’s super sidekick: her super son
Jennifer’s superpower: Sharing a beacon of light & love for others
Jennifer’s gadgets & gismos: A tummy support belt & maybe a walking aid
TEAM DAVID WISEMAN
Swim: Celebrity Team Captain David Wiseman
Invictus Games medallist & former captain in the Army: One of the architects of the Invictus Games, alongside Prince Harry, this 6’7” super-swimmer went on to win 14 medals in the pool across three Invictus Games! A former Army captain & Superhero Series Team Captain, he’s got some serious Superhero stripes. With Clare & Faisal by his side, this is one dream team!
Cycle: Superhero Sofia Crockatt
Earth years: 17
Sofia’s SUPER story: It’s easy to spot ‘Team Sofia’ at our events. Kitted out from head to toe in purple, Sofia & her ever-growing band of great 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 & horse riding. She is also an accomplished musician playing guitar and bass. The teen has also smashed countless sporting challenges over the years with her family, fundraising many thousands of pounds for Meningitis Research Foundation along the way. We can’t wait to see what this real-life Supergirl does next! Sofia is a HUGE Marvel fan, especially Spidey!
Sofia’s super gadgets & gismos: Handcycle— Sofia’s handcycle is known as ‘Phoenix’ – Sadly, horses are not allowed at Superhero Tri!
Sofia’s superpower: Talking to animals! Especially doggies! Sofia’s Sidekick will be ‘Willow the Wonder-Dog!’ her ‘Labradoodle’ whose superpower is ‘everyone is my friend do you have a treat’!!
Push/run: Faisal Mansoor
Earth years: 9
Faisal’s SUPER story: Faisal has a condition that impacts all of his muscles, making physical movements & talking hard. When he was really little his family & doctors were worried about how much he would be able to do as he grew, but he & everyone around him worked really hard & Faisal have surprised everyone! He loves to use his computer at school to complete his work & is an excellent electric wheelchair driver, which he loves to use to run around with his friends. He uses his voice & his VOCA to communicate & show everyone how much he knows & how funny he is – he’s super-skilled at making people laugh!
Faisal’s super gadgets & gismos: His electric wheelchair
Faisal’s superpower: I love to make jokes & make people laugh
TEAM MENNA FITZPATRICK & JEN KEHOE
Swim: Superhero Finlay Macnab
Earth years: 12
Finlay’s SUPER story: Finlay has only recently started to get fit with his dad & can now run 10km, which he should be super proud of! He first heard about the Superheroes Series through his school during lockdown & the At Home event kept him focused when he could not go to school & led him to discovering lots of new places to walk & start running in his local area. He ended the year on a high at the live Winter Wonderwheels event with his family & loved it so much, he can’t wait for 20 August to arrive!
Finlay’s SUPER Sidekick: His mum
Finlay’s superpower: My smile
Cycle: Celebrity Team Captains Menna & Jen
Paralympic slalom & World Cup ski racing champions: What a pair these super skiers made! During their time together on the slopes, this epic duo won six World Cup crystal globes, were crowned World champions twice & brought home one bronze, two silvers & Britain’s only gold from the 2018 Winter Paralympics! Paul & Finlay can expect a masterclass in teamwork from these ‘Golden Girls’!
Push/run: Superhero Ethan Fanneran-Burley
Earth years: 13
Ethan’s SUPER story: Ethan is a Superhero through & through. The support & encouragement he received at his first ever Superhero Series event propelled him to a level of effort & achievement he hadn't reached previously & he now regularly calls on his superpowers to approach challenges in his life from a completely different perspective. At the age of two he was diagnosed with a rare condition called MPS VI. He is under the lifetime care of Great Ormond Street Hospital & undergoes a weekly treatment of Enzyme Replacement Therapy, which it's hoped will slow down its progression. “I know I will get knocked down, but I have gained & developed the strength needed to get back up again,” he says. “The toughest thing about being a Superhero is that I carry my Kryptonite with me everywhere I go, therefore I work even harder & reach even higher to keep it at bay.” His motto now is that if he believes that he can then he’s halfway there.
Ethan’s SUPER Sidekick: His super step dad Kevin
Ethan’s superpower: Determination, resilience & positivity
TEAM IAN MARSDEN
Swim: Superhero Sally Valentine
Earth years: 44
Sally’s SUPER story: Sally has always been super-keen on staying active. Before being diagnosed with MS she was an avid club runner, completing a multitude of races, from 5ks to marathons – including running the London Marathon three times! She also did the London to Brighton Challenge: a 100km walk in one go. Super tough! Sally can find it very frustrating that she can’t do what she used to be able to, which is why she loves taking part in Superhero Tri as it gives her the chance to be part of an event & let her super Sidekick husband Lenny do the bits she can’t. With Superhero spirit in abundance & many super missions already under their belt, this duo is truly super!
Cycle: Superhero Theodore Mahoney
Earth years: 14
Theodore’s SUPER story: This Superhero clocked up some serious mileage during walks for his school’s At Home Superheroes target during lockdown. He is also a super cyclist & took his Bikeability test last term & is keen to keep his super riding skills finely tuned. He’ll be demonstrating his pedaling prowess for his team on the day, so come along & make some noise for this super team player!
Theodore’s superpower: My thick hair
Push/run: Celebrity Team Captain Ian Marsden
Paralympic canoe medallist: Meet one multi-talented Team Captain! He began his sporting career as a record-breaking junior World champion powerlifter &, following a spinal injury, went on to represent his country in handcycling & shooting! To top it all off, he then bagged a paracanoe bronze at Rio. He’ll be calling on his abundance of super skills to lead his team!
TEAM JOSH LLEWELLYN-JONES
Swim: Superhero Steve Alman
Earth years: 45
Steve’s SUPER story: Steve was injured in an explosion whilst serving in Afghanistan & was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, partly brought on by years working as an emergency medical technician. When he was selected to row, swim & play volleyball at the Invictus Games, it proved a huge turning point. Being back in a team environment helped him regain confidence & newfound motivation to push himself to improve his physical & mental health, & he’s super-excited to be able share that super sense of purpose & camaraderie with his new Superhero team! Steve leads a super-healthy, active lifestyle & is currently doing mental health courses so he can help others.
Steve’s superpower: Swimming like Aquaman. I also have lasers in my hands to warm the water in front of me whilst swimming.
Cycle: Superhero Lucy Gardner
Earth years: 27
Lucy’s SUPER story: Lucy’s super alter ego is Zebra Girl, which she uses as cover when Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) comes to find her. She also has super Sidekick support from her trusty Supermom Trudy & Super Dog Rosie – who will be by her side during training – & hopes to be even more super-bionic soon, when she has her super new hip!
Lucy’s SUPER Sidekick: Mum Trudy
Lucy’s superpower: Super speed!
Lucy’s gadgets & gismos: An adaptive bike
Push/run: Celebrity Team Captain Josh Llewellyn-Jones
Ultra-athlete & world record holder: This Team Captain has a will of steel! In 2017, Josh became one of only five in the world to complete the ‘World’s Fittest Man Challenge'. One year later he became the first person to lift 1 million kilos in under 24 hours to raise awareness for his condition of cystic fibrosis, beating the old record by over 500,000kgs! Ultra-super!
TEAM OLLIE HILL
Swim: Superhero Freya Sheppard
Earth years: 18
Freya’s SUPER story: “Everybody should have a little bit of Freya in their lives,” says her family & we totally agree, which is why she’s one of our super ambassadors! Freya’s super-caring, supportive nature is easy for all to see. She has multiple learning disabilities & some physical restrictions, but doesn't let these limit or define her. She is the proud owner of 31 swimming medals, a Special Olympics member, part of MESH dance & on the school council. Freya faces challenges with a smile & says, “I can do this!” She never stops digging in & digging deep!
Freya’s superpower: I’m an animal whisperer
Cycle: Superhero Isaac Driver
Earth years: 14
Isaac’s SUPER story: Isaac loves all things sport & has shot put super skills & mighty haul of athletics medals to prove it! He has really missed taking part in the live Superhero events during the pandemic, but jumped into the super spirit of the At Home Superheroes event, which he did with his school. A crazy-keen footballer & runner too, he’s a super addition to any team!
Isaac’s superpower: My strong kick
Push/run: Celebrity Team Captain Ollie Hill
Paralympic snowboard medallist: This snowboarding sensation only joined the GB Snowsport programme in summer 2020. Fast-forward two short years & the world watched him make history as Great Britain’s first-ever snowboard medallist at the 2022 Winter Paralympics! This is Ollie’s very first Superhero Tri mission & what a team he’s found for his super debut!
TEAM ANDY CRADDOCK
Swim: Superhero Billy
Earth years: 27
Billy’s SUPER story: A super strong member of our community, Billy has amassed an impressive haul of Superhero medals to date! From his very first Superhero event, he was inspired to find his power through channelling his Superhero spirit & he’s never looked back. He uses activity to help manage his condition of fibromyalgia & is not only passionate about participating himself, but encouraging & supporting others to do so too through his role as an Essex All Together Ambassador. The hospital worker, who recently retrained to work in a clinical acute environment, is super-stoked be part of our celebrity relay & channel his Superhero spirit to the max once more!
Billy’s superpower: A forever-lasting determination to channel the Superhero spirit from within
Cycle: Superhero Lisa Hanson
Earth years: 25
Lisa’s SUPER story: Lisa has been part of the Superhero Series from the very start & loves that it helps her keep fit & challenges her. A super team player, Lisa loves meeting people & has just started boxing, which has helped her get super fit! So be warned teams, this Superhero looks set for a super-fast time!
Lisa’s superpower: My right jab
Push/run: Celebrity Team Captain Andy Craddock
Inclusive sport crusader: Birmingham is blessed with this super motivator! A local Superhero to so many, the Birmingham Wheelchair Basketball head coach powers tirelessly to grow inclusive sport in his home city & beyond through countless super endeavours. This one-man powerhouse will stop at nothing to bring sport to all & will be sharing his super motivational skills with his team on the day!
