From Childhood Dreams to Sporting Glory
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the British sprinting sensation turned television personality, has always been destined for physical excellence. Born in Carshalton, London, in 1988, a childhood photograph of him at just four years old, already flexing impressive biceps, foreshadowed a remarkable career. He credits his early physique to a myostatin deficiency, a genetic condition that allows for easier muscle building, and a childhood diet rich in spinach inspired by the cartoon hero Popeye.
His energy was boundless. "Whenever my parents opened the front door, they had to look around to see where I was," he recalls, noting his tendency to escape onto the estate balcony. From the age of five, his obsession was cemented: he wanted to be a Gladiator. The iconic TV show shaped his childhood aspirations so profoundly that he even found himself marrying a woman who resembled his first crush from the show, Gladiator Jet.
The Sprint to Stardom
Aikines-Aryeetey's raw speed was discovered unexpectedly at age twelve when a labrador gave chase. A watching coach was astounded by his pace and directed him to train with hurdles coach Lesley Alder. Though hurdling wasn't his forte, sprinting became his passion. Convincing his Ghanaian-born parents was another hurdle. They emphasised education and a stable career, only permitting his athletic pursuits on a year-by-year basis, contingent on his success.
Their high expectations paid off. By 14, he was the fastest in Europe for his age. His trophy cabinet quickly filled, justifying his path. In 2005, he became the first athlete ever to win both the 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships. This success was followed by competing for Great Britain at the Rio Olympics, multiple World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Alongside his sporting triumphs, he also won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year and secured a sponsorship with Nike.
Family, Values, and Facing Adversity
His parents' strong work ethic, born from his father's journey from Ghana and their efforts to build a life in London, instilled a powerful family-first mentality in Harry. The household was filled with the aroma of traditional dishes like plantain and okra stew, and the children were taught independence from a young age. "We weren't the richest by any means, but we had everything," he states, reflecting on a childhood rich in love and support.
His career, however, was not without its challenges. At 16, a stress fracture in his back forced him into a brace. With the support of his family and friends, he recovered, only to face injury again more recently, requiring a break from his role as Nitro on the rebooted Gladiators show. These setbacks taught him the critical importance of mental fortitude. "My body is my tool, but I've got to be stable psychologically, too," he explains.
He has also confronted stereotypes and microaggressions throughout his career. People have expressed surprise at his "well-spoken" nature or his "nice" demeanour, challenging preconceived notions of how a black male sprinter should act. He has even faced questions about his British identity despite being born and raised in the UK and having a strong passion for the monarchy. He uses these experiences to fuel his positive outlook and push for change.
A New Chapter: Gladiators, Family, and Strictly
In 2023, his childhood dream was fully realised when he joined the Gladiators team as Nitro. The role has been a profound part of his journey towards self-acceptance. Now, he is set to embark on another challenge as a contestant in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Today, living in London with his wife and daughter, he sees his strength come in handy as a father, delighting in throwing his daughter in the air. He sees her thoughtful nature as a direct reflection of the values his own parents taught him. "It's a message that's run through everything I've ever done," he says. "I'm here to make people smile." His journey from a muscle-flexing four-year-old to an Olympic athlete and beloved TV gladiator is a testament to that very goal.
