Paralympic hero Richard Whitehead opened a new photographic exhibition documenting his extraordinary rise to stardom – and revealed he never actually wanted gold medals when he first started running.
The Notts runner is the subject of a series of touching and revealing portraits taken by photographer David Baird over almost a decade.
They are now on display in an exhibition called “Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man” at Sneinton market until Saturday.
Richard said: “I remember when I first started running I never wanted to be a Paralympic champion. I just wanted to be able to get out there and just run like everybody else and I ran my first marathon in 2004”.
David, whose pictures show Richard in some of his highest and lowest moments, said: “They [athletes] do an incredible amount of work in order to achieve their goals and it’s not just that. That gold medal and the amazing finish. It’s the amount of effort that goes in to get there.”
By working on the project since 2007, David took photos which include moments captured in training, competition and during periods of contemplation.
Over his athletic career double amputee Richard has earned world records and Olympic medals at 200 metres 100 metres.
He added: “I am obviously a person who has had a lot of obstacles and barriers to overcome in my life. I work hard, success hasn’t come to me quickly. It’s about a lot of endeavour and a lot of hard work.”
The exhibition is open to the public now until Saturday, with a special meet and greet with Richard on the final day at 3pm.
