VIDEO: Worksop's Bailey Matthews launches triathlon with backing of F1 star Jenson Button and challenges Greg James, Simon Cowell and David Walliams

A Worksop youngster who shot to fame last year thanks to his courageous triathlon efforts, has launched his own race '“ in conjunction with a Formula One star.
Bailey Matthews and David WalliamsBailey Matthews and David Walliams
Bailey Matthews and David Walliams

Bailey Matthews won the hearts of people all over the world when a video of him finishing his first ever triathlon went viral.

The youngster, who has cerebral palsy, now wants other children to get the chance to try out the multi-discipline sport, alongside their parents.

And he’s managed to gain the support of former Formula One World Champion Jenson Button.

Bailey Matthews  8 from Doncaster crosses the finish line  to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.Bailey Matthews  8 from Doncaster crosses the finish line  to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.
Bailey Matthews 8 from Doncaster crosses the finish line to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.

The Be More Bailey family triathlon will run alongside this July’s Jenson Button Trust Triathlon, at Markeaton Park in Derby.

Nine-year-old Bailey won a Sports Personality of the Year award for his determination in finishing the The Castle Howard Triathlon without his walking frame.

And his race will allow kids to start their own triathlon journey, with a 50m swim, 1.5mile cycle and 750m run.

He said: “I am doing this event because I would like other children, like me, or maybe not so confident people, to do a triathlon.

Bailey Matthews  8 from Doncaster crosses the finish line  to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.Bailey Matthews  8 from Doncaster crosses the finish line  to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.
Bailey Matthews 8 from Doncaster crosses the finish line to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.

“In case they have a disability or are not confident, they have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“This isn’t just my event, it’s running alongside Jenson Button’s, he’s been so kind and let us run my triathlon in the break of his event.”

And he’s not content with simply introducing families to the sport, he wants to challenge some of the famous people he’s encountered in a whirlwind past year.

He added: “Maybe people want to do a triathlon but their uncle, aunty, mum or dad is busy. So maybe Greg James, Holly Willoughby, Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Nick Grimshaw, Will I Am, the Brownlee brothers, I challenge you.”

Derby company Huub Events are organising the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon again on 17th July, and backing the family version, which will see Bailey and his dad Jonathan take part.

The family race will raise money for a foundation the youngster is setting up.

And today he was at Derby’s Roundhouse to launch the Be More Bailey triathlon, with a special video that gives details of his event, and showcases the personality that has endeared him to the nation.

Related topics: