Teen with Down Syndrome sets new world record
A 19-year-old teen with Down Syndrome has conquered the London Marathon and became a Guinness World Record after just five months of training.
Lloyd Martin from Cardiff completed the 42.1 km course across the capital with his mother cheering him on.
Guinness World Record has awarded him the certificate for becoming the youngest person in his learning disability category to finish a marathon.
"I'm so excited to run London. I love being fit and healthy and I want to make my family and friends proud," the teenager said.
Mum Ceri Hooper also told the BBC how proud she was of her son's accomplishment.
"In Lloyd's words, it's achieving his dream," she said.
"Really anything is possible if you put your mind to it. With a bit of work, you can achieve it."
Recalling the experience, the proud mum said: "He ran continuously for 14 miles which is the longest he's ever run before."
Although Lloyd walked for a bit after his 14-mile-long streak, the crowd cheered him on every step of the way, and despite the challenge the mother-and-son duo had "a ball".
The pair were at a loss for words when he finally crossed the finish line and they both "burst into tears."
Lloyd is also now the third Welsh Special Olympics athlete to compete in the London Marathon.
Prior to completing the world-famous marathon, Lloyed had completed an astonishing 30 Parkruns.
Until last Christmas the teenager had never run further than three miles, but his mother was determined to get him marathon-ready.
Ceri, who has taken on the London Marathon four times, created a specialised training regime for her son which included weekly runs.
Lloyd managed to secure a spot in the marathon thanks to the help of the Special Olympics GB, where he is also a footballer and a gymnast.
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