AN ATHLETE from Swanmore, who was left fighting for his life when he was hit by a car in 2015, is now representing Britain in the Para-Cycling Road World Championships.
After nearly 11 months in hospital and countless surgeries, Felix Barrow has worked his way up to being an elite para-athlete.
Felix, who’s now 17, was hit by a car when walking to Swanmore College in October 2015.
He was left with a traumatic brain injury, a broken leg and a dislocated elbow, knee and ankle.
On July 27 Felix and his family were allowed to share the news that he made the British team for the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Baie-Comeau, Canada.
The GB team includes sporting legends such as Dame Sarah Storey and double paralympic gold medallist Ben Watson.
The Havant and Southdowns College student flew out on Friday, August 5 ahead of his two races, the 20km individual time trial on August 11 and the 40km road race on August 13.
Proud mum, Vanessa Barrow said: “Never did we think we’d get to this point. I said to my husband this is a miracle, this has got to be a miracle. We were told the worst of the worst back in October 2015 and to be where we are now is amazing. If he comes home with nothing, he’s still amazing.
“He hasn’t met the milestones other children meet- he had to change schools, he had to make a new friendship group and he hasn’t learnt to drive and he’s 17. Things are just different for him.
“It’s important to feel good about something and that’s what cycling makes him feel.
“I think Felix is 50 per cent excited and 50 per cent scared.”
Felix said to his mum: “I’m just not going to give up, that’s just not me.”
After a day of travelling Felix will begin training sessions, becoming acclimatised with the Canadian course and getting to know his team.
The local cyclist will compete on a tricycle within the T2 category- designed for athletes with impairments impacting their balance and coordination.
The family have relaunched the Fit for Felix campaign that previously raised around £120,000 for Felix’s rehabilitation as well as the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) and Southampton General’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Prior to the accident, Felix qualified for under 13s biathlon team at the age of 10 and belonged to numerous running, swimming and cycling clubs across the county.
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Speaking on how their lives changed, Vanessa said: “We had to change our whole outlook on life.
“But we decided we would continue, we’re still very sporty. I teach fitness and my husband’s a massive cyclist and we decided we were going to push him anyway.
“We’re not the kind of family to sit back and just accept it so he learnt to swim again, he’s been doing couch to 5k to learn to run again and getting back on his bike was a massive achievement.
“He was back in the pool swimming towards the end of 2016 and then just slowly slowly working his way back.
“He’s still got that competitive edge, so he’s done the world champs in rowing and he won there, he’s been classified for rowing, triathlon and swimming but cycling is his favourite.
“Without the Fit for Felix campaign we wouldn’t be where we are now because that supported us massively in trying to get his rehab.”
To visit the Fit For Felix Facebook page go to facebook.com/Fitforfelix.
Felix’s long-term disabilities include damage to his vocal cords, making it hard to speak.
Nevertheless, Felix now juggles studying for his sports course, daily training and a part time job at a bakery in Hedge End.
The UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships take place in Baie-Comeau, Canada from August 11 to 14.
To view the full squad go to britishcycling.org.uk/gbcyclingteam/article/.
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