Meet Lloyd Martin – a 19-year-old with Down syndrome from Surrey whose ambition, grit and training have propelled him into something extraordinary.
When Lloyd steps up to take on a triathlon for BBC's Children in Need, he isn’t just chasing the finish line – he’s rewriting the possibilities for disabled young athletes, inclusive sport, and the power of opportunity.
This is a story of determination, inclusion and community, and how one young man’s challenge is motivating many more to join in.
From Running to Triathlon – Lloyd’s Big Leap
At just 19, Lloyd became the youngest known person with Down syndrome to complete the TCS London Marathon, finishing in just 6 hours 46 minutes 10 seconds. This milestone earned Lloyd a Guinness World Records title and paved the way for bigger challenges ahead.
Now, Lloyd is gearing up for a triathlon – a 1.5km swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run – currently being shown on The One Show as part of the BBC's Children in Need “Challenge Squad”.
What’s remarkable is the evolution – from struggling to ride a bike (something his coaches say he “couldn’t master”) to hitting those three disciplines full-on. It shows how an inclusive sporting challenge isn’t just a metaphor – it’s a platform for transformation.
Why This Matters for Inclusive Sport
When we talk about inclusive sport, phrases like “disabled teenager”, “intellectual disability”, and “Down syndrome” often don’t truly encompass the topic. Thanks to Lloyd’s work with Stepping Stones DS (where he’s first ambassador), and his training journey, the message is clear – ability is diverse.
Lloyd faced physical challenges from birth, yet, he has not only participated, but excelled. As he puts it himself (in his own words); “If you follow your dreams and have the right support – anything is possible.”
Lloyd's triathlon challenge for BBC's Children in Need does more than raise funds – it raises visibility. It shows younger disabled teens that they too can aim high, train hard and succeed. It also prompts the wider public to think differently about what inclusive sport really means
The Role of Equipment & Support
While mind-set and training matter greatly, so does the right gear. That’s where organisations such as Ability Superstore come in. Many adaptive sports and mobility aids make sports participation realistic – whether it's custom cycling seats, adapted running blades, or waterproof training equipment for swimmers with low muscle tone.
Ability Superstore’s range of specialist products helps level the playing field so athletes like Lloyd – and others – can focus on performance, not limitations, particularly in the area of the now Olympic sport of Boccia.
Training, Challenges and Milestones
Lloyd’s training regime is impressive. He’s in the pool building stamina, on his adapted bike building strength and coordination, and pounding the pavements with his running team come rain, or shine.
Each discipline presents its own barrier. For example, lower muscle tone and joint laxity (common in Down syndrome) make cycles and swims extra demanding. And yet, Lloyd is showing how with step-by-step support, adaptive equipment and sheer commitment, those barriers can be met.
Learning new skills like that is a huge marker of progress. He’s also brought running experience into this – having already clocked marathons and set records. That crossover of sport disciplines is a hallmark of what inclusive, multi-sport training can look like.
What This Means for Disabled Teen Athletes & Fundraising
Fundraising is central to the BBC's Children in Need model – and Lloyd’s story amplifies the message. Teenagers with disabilities taking on serious sport challenges send multiple positive signals to other young people (“you can do it”), to families (“support matters”), and to society (“we all benefit from inclusion”).
Lloyd is part of the “Challenge Squad” selected by BBC's Children in Need. His preparation has already featured on national broadcast (The One Show) and public platforms. That means his story is accessible, visible and influential.
As Lloyd strides, cycles and swims toward his goal, he is also drumming up support for organisations like Stepping Stones DS and BBC's Children in Need’s mission.
A Call to Action – Get Involved, Raise Support, Make Moves!
If this blog has sparked something in you – whether you’re a young athlete, parent, coach, or simply an advocate for inclusive sport – here’s how you can be part of the momentum:
• Support Lloyd – share his story, donate to his fundraising campaign, follow his progress – donate here: https://donate.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/
• Advocate for inclusive opportunity. Talk to schools, clubs and councils about adaptive equipment, inclusive sessions, custom bikes, swim programmes.
• Challenge perceptions. Use Lloyd’s journey as evidence that “disabled teenager” doesn’t mean “limitation”. It means potential.
• Show up and cheer on! If you’re local, attend inclusive sports events. If you’re online, amplify the message. Visibility changes culture.
So as Lloyd prepares for the swim, bike and run of a lifetime in support of BBC's Children in Need, we don’t only hope he crosses that finish line, we celebrate that he’s already started a race of change. And if you’ve been inspired to act, learn or support – that’s a change in motion, too.