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Deaf Athlete John Set To Run For His Country (from Evening Times)
A TEENAGER who lost his hearing when he was a toddler is getting on his marks to sprint for Britain.
John Ruddy, 16, has been selected to run at the European Deaf Athletics Championships in Bulgaria next month.
The teenager has already won the UK title for deaf athletes over 200m and has been awarded 56 medals since he took up the sport at the age of 12.
Now he's celebrating his biggest achievement so far as one of just three Scots called up for the UK.
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His dad, also John, 48, said: "When he got the letter in saying he had been selected he was doing cartwheels around the living room because it's his first time being called up to represent Britain.
"He's now a Great Britain internationalist!"
John is currently ranked seventh out of all the deaf runners in Europe over 200m.
He also competes at mainstream events with his hometown club the Kirkintilloch Olympians.
His talent was discovered at his Primary 7 sports day relay race.
His dad said: "When he ran his section they were first but by the end they came third - and if looks could kill! He's got a competitive streak in him."
John has recently finished his standard grades at Lenzie Academy and the school has donated some cash towards his trip.
John lost his hearing when he was just a toddler and is classed as severely to profoundly deaf. He communicates with the help of a hearing aid and by lip reading. His teachers use an amplifier to cut out background noise so that his hearing aid can pick up their voices.
His dad said: "A virus attacked John's nervous system not long after his second birthday.
"It could have left him with brain damage, so it could have been a lot worse. It was 10 months later that we were told he was deaf. There were tell-tale signs. He used to put his ear to the floor to try and pick up the vibrations from the television."
Roderick McLelland, head teacher of Lenzie Academy, said: "John's a very dedicated pupil and an equally dedicated athlete.
"We are delighted his talent has been recognised in this way and we wish him every success."
The teenager himself said: "I'm excited about the prospect of going to Bulgaria and I'll do my best in all the races at the competition."
Joining John at the competition from July 8 to 14 will be Douglas Rathey, 19, who runs for Giffnock North.
Be quick - there's still time to join men's 10K
THERE is just enough time left to enter the city's biggest men-only 10K.
The event, organised by the Men's Health Forum Scotland, takes place at Bellahouston Park this Sunday in Glasgow.
The Evening Times is media partner for the event and more than 1500 men have signed up - and you could be one of them.
But to join the others lining up on Sunday morning you need to have submitted your entry by TOMORROW.
Don't be put off if you think you are too late to train - this is a fun event where crossing the line first doesn't mean everything.
People of all ages and varying degrees of fitness are taking part - the only condition is that you are at least 15 years of age on race day.
You could be one of them - if you are quick to enter. For details call 0141 550 7515 or visit MHFS
A TEENAGER who lost his hearing when he was a toddler is getting on his marks to sprint for Britain.
John Ruddy, 16, has been selected to run at the European Deaf Athletics Championships in Bulgaria next month.
The teenager has already won the UK title for deaf athletes over 200m and has been awarded 56 medals since he took up the sport at the age of 12.
Now he's celebrating his biggest achievement so far as one of just three Scots called up for the UK.
advertisement
His dad, also John, 48, said: "When he got the letter in saying he had been selected he was doing cartwheels around the living room because it's his first time being called up to represent Britain.
"He's now a Great Britain internationalist!"
John is currently ranked seventh out of all the deaf runners in Europe over 200m.
He also competes at mainstream events with his hometown club the Kirkintilloch Olympians.
His talent was discovered at his Primary 7 sports day relay race.
His dad said: "When he ran his section they were first but by the end they came third - and if looks could kill! He's got a competitive streak in him."
John has recently finished his standard grades at Lenzie Academy and the school has donated some cash towards his trip.
John lost his hearing when he was just a toddler and is classed as severely to profoundly deaf. He communicates with the help of a hearing aid and by lip reading. His teachers use an amplifier to cut out background noise so that his hearing aid can pick up their voices.
His dad said: "A virus attacked John's nervous system not long after his second birthday.
"It could have left him with brain damage, so it could have been a lot worse. It was 10 months later that we were told he was deaf. There were tell-tale signs. He used to put his ear to the floor to try and pick up the vibrations from the television."
Roderick McLelland, head teacher of Lenzie Academy, said: "John's a very dedicated pupil and an equally dedicated athlete.
"We are delighted his talent has been recognised in this way and we wish him every success."
The teenager himself said: "I'm excited about the prospect of going to Bulgaria and I'll do my best in all the races at the competition."
Joining John at the competition from July 8 to 14 will be Douglas Rathey, 19, who runs for Giffnock North.
Be quick - there's still time to join men's 10K
THERE is just enough time left to enter the city's biggest men-only 10K.
The event, organised by the Men's Health Forum Scotland, takes place at Bellahouston Park this Sunday in Glasgow.
The Evening Times is media partner for the event and more than 1500 men have signed up - and you could be one of them.
But to join the others lining up on Sunday morning you need to have submitted your entry by TOMORROW.
Don't be put off if you think you are too late to train - this is a fun event where crossing the line first doesn't mean everything.
People of all ages and varying degrees of fitness are taking part - the only condition is that you are at least 15 years of age on race day.
You could be one of them - if you are quick to enter. For details call 0141 550 7515 or visit MHFS
