Racing for Understanding: Coach Sean vs Paralympian Andy Small

At Macclesfield Running Track, Coach Sean took on a challenge that was about far more than winning a race.

Sean, our Health & Wellbeing Coach and RAF serviceman with over 20 years’ experience, lined up against Andy Small, a T33 Paralympic gold medallist, to help highlight the realities of elite wheelchair racing.

Sean isn’t a runner. But as someone who understands training, discipline, and physical performance, he wanted to experience first-hand the demands of racing against a world-class Paralympian.

Three races, one lesson

In the first race, both Sean and Andy started from the same point at the same time. While this might seem like the fairest option, it actually put Andy at a disadvantage. Racing chairs take time to accelerate, whereas Sean was able to reach his top speed almost immediately.

To make things more balanced, two further races were held with adjusted starting positions to better reflect the realities of wheelchair racing and acceleration. Each race told a different story – and highlighted just how much strategy, strength, and technique goes into Paralympic competition.

Andy races in a custom-built chair designed specifically for his body, strength, and movement. Watching the races back makes it clear that wheelchair racing isn’t “easier” or “assisted” – it’s a highly skilled, physically demanding sport in its own right.

And this isn’t the end.

Later this summer, Sean and Andy will return for a rematch, with Sean swapping trainers for a racing chair to level things up even further.

🎥 Watch the races above to see how it all played out.