Harry is one in a million
A young Johnstone athlete who doctors insisted may never walk or talk has bagged a silver medal in judo.
Harrison Lovett, 20, suffered a stroke in the womb but has gone on to take a podium place at the Special Olympics World Games.
The battler – who is registered blind – took up the sport less than a decade ago because he was looking for a way to fill his evenings.
Harrison said: “I was bored one night, so I found out about the club and went along.”
The silver medallist first took up judo while studying at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh. He trains three times a week. His family help by driving him on a 100-mile round trip from his home in Johnstone to the Jidel Judo School in Livingston.
Harrison has overcome hearing and sight difficulties.
He has also fought a brain injury, hypermobility, epilepsy and balance problems.
The star admits he has “not had the easiest” of routes to competition in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Harrison added: “I am over it.
“I will keep on going until my body tells me to stop fighting and training.”
The fighter was supported at the tournament by Team GB coach Jonathan Imrie.
He said: “His mum is a great support.
“For his mum to be travelling to the club three times a week is testament to that support.
“I am not saying we are the best club but we are the best club for Harrison.”
Mum Fiona, a foster carer, and sister Bryony cheered Harrison on from back home.
She said: “I am a mum to a son they said may never, walk, talk or sit up and here he is, not just representing his country in judo but winning a silver medal doing so.
“There is no one prouder on the planet right now.
“It is thanks to the sheer dedication of some awesome coaches who believed in him when he didn’t believe in himself.”
Harrison has been diagnosed with Joubert Syndrome.
The rare genetic disorder affects the cerebellum area of the brain which controls balance and coordination.
He also manages autism.
Ha r r i s o n says his family will be proud of his achievements – especially Fiona. He continued: “If she was here now I’d be saying ‘shhh and stop crying mum’.”
Uncle John Shaw is a councillor for Renfrew North and Braehead and hailed his nephew’s t riumph on social media. He said: “I mentioned a few days back that my nephew was off to represent Team GB at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
“Well, his competition was this morning and he’s only gone and won himself a silver medal.
“For a boy we were told may never walk or talk his determination to succeed is just awe inspiring.
“He’s a credit to himself, his mammy, his sister and his coaches.
“Go, Harry.”