Bailey's back at Yorkshire triathlon where he won world's hearts

A nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who cast aside his walking frame to finish a triathlon in North Yorkshire will return to the race where he won hearts around the world.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jul 2016, 15:44 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:26 BST
Bailey Matthews, from Doncaster, crosses the finish line to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard.Bailey Matthews, from Doncaster, crosses the finish line to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard.
Bailey Matthews, from Doncaster, crosses the finish line to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard.

Bailey Matthews, from Doncaster, was roared to the finishing line at last year’s Castle Howard Triathlon near York, in video footage, first posted on The Yorkshire Post website, that has since been seen more than 50 million times.

Since then he has been awarded a Pride of Britain Award and the BBC Helen Rollason Sports Personality of the Year Award as well as meeting his heroes including David Beckham and Simon Cowell.

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Bailey was shown bravely overcoming the limits of his condition to complete a swim, bike ride and run at the event last July.

12 June 2016....... Young Bailey Matthews cheers on the Brownlee Brothers at the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Leeds in Millenium Square. Picture Tony Johnson12 June 2016....... Young Bailey Matthews cheers on the Brownlee Brothers at the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Leeds in Millenium Square. Picture Tony Johnson
12 June 2016....... Young Bailey Matthews cheers on the Brownlee Brothers at the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Leeds in Millenium Square. Picture Tony Johnson

Despite stumbling twice on his way to the finish line, he picked himself up and ran the final 20 metres of the course without his walking frame.

He is hoping to repeat his achievements after entering the Castle Howard Triathlon again on Saturday.

The annual event is being held for the seventh time this year and takes place over two days, with triathletes taking part over a range of different distances in the 13,000 acre grounds of Castle Howard.

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Bailey’s father, Jono Matthews said: “Bailey sees himself to be no different to others and just wants to give everything a go. “He did exactly that at Castle Howard Triathlon and will be back to do more this year. The beauty of triathlon and the Castle Triathlon Series events are that they give access to all and that’s why the sport and these events are top of our calendar this year, all levels take part and no one is singled out.

Worksop Guardian Community Awards 2015, Bailey Matthews is pictured with his awardWorksop Guardian Community Awards 2015, Bailey Matthews is pictured with his award
Worksop Guardian Community Awards 2015, Bailey Matthews is pictured with his award

“Training is in full flow and Bailey cant wait to take part.”

Brian Adcock, Race Director for the Castle Triathlon Series said: “We are delighted to welcome Bailey to our entire Castle Triathlon Series this year and we can’t wait to see that now-famous smile and example setting determination again.

“Bailey is an inspirational figure for many and a great example that sport is for everyone.”

Related topics:YorkshireNorth YorkshireYorkDoncaster