Year 9 student with dwarfism banned from running in long-distance events

A Year 9 student has had his sporting dreams crushed by a ruling made by School Sports Australia.

Hugo is a cross country champion, but has been told he not only can’t compete at the nationals this year, but can’t compete in long-distance running at all.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Hugo banned from athletics event.

Hugo has the genetic disorder achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism.

But despite that, Hugo has excelled in running.

“I like the feeling of adrenaline. Halfway through the run, I get a feeling that I can’t stop, otherwise I’ll be so disappointed in myself and I just like that feeling of running and it just makes me happy,” he tells 7NEWS.

Every year, he has been cheered on by his classmates at state level, however he is now banned from competing in long-distances events.

The decision comes based on a rule adopted by School Sports Australia, which blindsided Hugo and his family.

Athletics Australia has its own guidelines that they need to adhere to as a member federation of World Para Athletics, but School Sports Australia is a separate body and can make their own decisions.

“It’s really sad, I see the joy that Hugo gets when he’s competing ... there’s not that many opportunities for kids with disabilities to have success and it’s really sad to see that as a mother ripped away from him and without any reasons,” Hugo’s mum Alicia said.

“I just don’t understand why, it doesn’t harm anyone else. It doesn’t affect anyone, he has individual medical clearance to do it and it’s just really hard to understand.

“I feel really angry this decision has been made without due process.”

The rule is based on medical advice relating to short-statured people running long distances.

“It’s the thing I love the most and it’s been taken away from me,” Hugo added.

But world-renowned expert on dwarfism, professor Ravi Savarirayen, has cast doubt on the reasons for it.

“There’s actually no medical reason why it should be a problem at all,” he told 2GB.

Hugo has dreams of one day competing for Australia in the Paralympics.

His fight to run again has moved Paralympic bronze medallist Sarah Rose.

“In a world where we can be anything, let’s be kind. I really hope this decision can be reversed,” she said.

“Thinking of you, Hugo.”