London Marathon: 19-Year-Old?With Down Syndrome Completes The Race, Sets Guinness World Record
In a commendable achievement, against the odds, Lloyd Martin has created history by becoming the youngest runner with Down syndrome to complete the London Marathon.?On Sunday, the 19-year-old from Woking in Surrey became the youngest known person with Down syndrome to complete a marathon.
How Lloyd competed in London Marathon?
The teenager covered a distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers),?in?a time of?6:46:10, setting a new world record for anyone with Down syndrome.
Martin?was able to complete?the London Marathon after Guinness World Records created the challenge for him.
Coached by mother
Lloyd began marathon training in December for the race, having not attempted the marathon distance before. Coached by his mum, Ceri Hooper?who?is an accomplished marathoner herself.
Hooper?who?ran with him as his guide, said his achievement was "amazing".?"In Lloyd's words,?it's achieving his dream," she said.
"It?just?proves it is possible to do anything and follow your dreams. If you want to do?something?just?go out there and do it,'?she?added.
According to her, Lloyd ran continuously for 14 miles (22.5km)?which?is the?longest he has ever run.
Was turned away by sports clubs
Recalling?his journey to setting the new world record, Hooper said it wasn't an easy one.
She said that as a young boy,?Lloyd?was repeatedly turned away?by sports clubs?due to his condition.
'It was tough?to constantly fight?but?we are changing those stereotypes?and?inclusivity now is far greater than when he was growing up," she said.
Will help others with Down Syndrome?
The proud mother also expressed confidence that her son's achievement will break down more barriers for people with Down syndrome.
"I hope that he has proved that anything is possible?follow?your dreams and just go out there and do it," she said.
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