Brandon proves special needs students can excel at mainstream sport

The 17 year old who competes in the T20 category for athletes with intellectual disabilities has been making steady progress up the national rankings over the past few years.

He is currently placed sixth overall and second under 20 in the national T20 800m rankings after clocking a time of 2:17.5 last month.

Ballard’s potential was recognised by his former teacher Abi Schofield. Schofield, herself a former Nene Valley Harrier, is a successful distance runner, and GB International triathlete.

“Brandon showed such potential and a love for running when I met him at 12 years old,” Schofield said. “However the social aspect of a club was challenging due to his autism, ADHD and Tourettes.”

“It is wonderful to see Brandon progress. His times are coming down rapidly, but alrunning has also made an impact on his social skills. He has settled into the club and is a great example of how running can positively impact all areas of your life, and how a special needs child can excel in mainstream sport.”

Schofield introduced Ballard to Peterborough Nene Valley veteran distance runner and coach, Sean Beard. It was clear he had talent, but struggled with handling too many instructions at once. But Schofield helped Beard with his coaching, instilling the discipline of pacing which he had been struggling with like many young athletes.

Ballard’s potential started to really shine through in the summer of 2019 when he enjoyed a consistent set of 5km road races in the Peterborough Grand Prix series, peaking with a fastest time of 18.46. This placed him seventh in the national disability rankings.

More recently hugely successful coach Russ Prosser has taken over, and Ballard’s mum Kelly said: “Russ has been very supportive and understanding of his needs. You couldn’t meet nicer people than the group Brandon is in now. They always talk to him and include him in everything they do at the track. Brandon absolutely loves them.

“Brandon has been invited into races by the national athletics disability organisation. They are fantastic with their communications, getting back to us with any concerns.

“Athletics has made a massive impact on his life.It helps his tourettes because he is focussing on a task and this helps to suppress it. Brandon would love to have the opportunity to compete in the Paralympics, and that is what he dreams of for the future.”

In 2017 Ballard finished runner-up to multiple gold medal winning para Olympic rower James Fox in the PT sports awards disabled achiever category. Fox’s godfather taught at Ballard’s school and told his godson about the athlete’s story. In a great act of kindness Fox passed the trophy over to Ballard.

Though yet to discover whether middle or long distance events suit him best, one day he hopes to join the likes of Church and Fox in the big time.