For individuals faced with life-changing disabilities, adaptive sports can be a lifeline—particularly for those who sustained injuries while competing where the drive to challenge themselves through sport remains a core part of their identity.

AXA XL and the Matt Hampson Foundation (MHF), as part of a long-established partnership, supported athletes Henry Dunn and Sophie Wilson to compete in The Adaptive CrossFit Games by WheelWOD, which took place over four days in September 2024.

Athletes were put to the test whilst competing in a series of gruelling strength and conditioning workouts designed to challenge mental and physical fitness, endurance and strength across a range of functional movement categories. Around 300 athletes from around the world took part, including 30 from the UK, in a format that provides fair competition for all categories participating.

The Matt Hampson Foundation supports and inspires young people seriously injured through sport, enabling athletes like Sophie and Henry to work towards competing on a global stage.

 

Henry’s Story…

While working on a cattle station in Australia’s Northern Territory, Henry Dunn suffered a life-changing injury when his arm was crushed by a machine. After an arduous eight-hour, 500km (310-mile) journey to the hospital with an improvised tourniquet, his arm had to be amputated.

During his university years, Henry was a passionate rugby player. However, after enduring what he describes as the “toughest time in his life,” he returned home to find that rugby was no longer a viable option. Determined to stay active, he walked into his local CrossFit gym in Tewkesbury.

Henry credits his positive mindset for helping him achieve remarkable progress, qualifying for the Adaptive CrossFit Games less than two years after his injury. “Everything is an opportunity, and there are no excuses,” he says. His dedication and refusal to view himself as a victim led to an impressive 6th-place finish, exceeding his own high expectations and cementing his place among the world’s elite adaptive athletes.

 

Sophie’s Story…

Sophie Wilson travelled to the US to compete in the final stages of the Adaptive CrossFit Games, having secured her spot as the world number one in her category during the qualifying rounds.

Sophie first connected with the Foundation after sustaining a spinal injury in 2018. Initially a beneficiary, she later joined the team at the Foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. She began as Head of Peer Support and now serves as Head of Operations.

Before heading to the US, Sophie participated in the Foundation’s own Hambo Throwdown, the UK’s first adaptive fitness event exclusively for wheelchair users.

Reflecting on her journey, Sophie said: “I was introduced to CrossFit at the Foundation just last summer, and I’ve been training with our personal trainer, James Sutliff, and sports therapist, George Thompson, at the Centre. I love a challenge. The things that push me the most are the ones that excite me the most.

I thought CrossFit would be fun, and it’s been fantastic for both my physical and mental health. My first CrossFit event was in September 2023. I entered the Games to see how I’d do, to stay motivated with my training, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Then, suddenly, I was heading to compete alongside some of the best athletes in the world.”

 

Challenges to compete

As well as physical hurdles and training, taking part in international competitions as a para-athlete presents its own unique challenges—logistical, financial, and medical.

Para-athletes tend to face a higher risk of financial burden than able-bodied athletes when it comes their involvement. This can be from specialist equipment that needs to be transported, a plan B if it fails to turn up, an increased risk of injury and higher medical costs. This is where specialist insurance can provide a much-needed safety net.

When taking part in competitions, having specialist sports insurance can offer the financial protection needed to cover these particular risks. This type of support allows athletes to focus on their performance without the burden of worrying about the potential risks involved.

 

Support from insurance

Purchasing a Sports Travel policy was an essential step for Henry and Sophie for their trip to the games, knowing they could compete with specific security in place. Not only does it help solve logistical problems associated with travel but also empowers athletes to take risks, strive for greatness, and feel confident that they are protected.

As Henry comments “Knowing that if I were to be injured competing, I would have the right level of cover, provided with peace of mind, and allowing me to concentrate on what the trip was about so I can perform and enjoy the event”.

From Sophie’s perspective, “Life is certainly harder for a wheelchair user, particularly when travelling – SportsCover Direct gave me the comfort that, should the equipment I am so reliant upon break, I could receive replacements quickly”.

Starpeak Insurance Solutions trading as SportsCover Direct, who are a long-term coverholder of AXA XL, provided the coverage needed for travelling to the US and competing in a CrossFit event. Starpeak are an established provider of specialists sports solutions for over 30 years now.

The core cover includes personal accident protection to provide financial support in case of injury, alongside medical expenses coverage to manage essential healthcare costs, particularly invaluable when abroad. Within the policy there is also coverage for sports equipment, which is lost or damaged, as well as protection for delayed or lost luggage; all of which allows athletes to focus on competing without the added stress of missing essential items.

 

Partnerships can promote participation

Empowering athletes isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about having the right support structures such as the Foundation and specialist insurance in place to enable athletes to compete with confidence.

Larger insurers such as AXA XL can provide the insurance that ultimately protects athletes such as Henry and Sophie to safely and confidently compete in sports, and achieve their goals. Kristian Ives, Head of Sport & Leisure, AXA XL UK & Lloyd’s commented, “Our specialist insurance coverage packages have been meticulously tailored to empower and enable athletes, including parathletes, to pursue their passion with confidence. In the event of incidents, we are committed to providing a responsive and supportive approach, ensuring that athletes can focus on doing what they love with peace of mind. We take great pride in offering specialised cover and responsive assistance, standing alongside these inspiring individuals in their journey to success. The resilience demonstrated by parathletes is truly inspiring and serves as a testament to their remarkable dedication and strength, motivating us all”.

Partnering with niche insurance providers such as SportsCover Direct and AXA XL enables specialist insurance to be accessible to athletes with varied requirements.

With the growth in opportunities for paraathletes to compete, insurance can help to make the process as smooth as possible giving competitors the head space to focus on their sport without the worry of unnecessary financial burdens.

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