Darren Harris (Paralympian)
Football and judo Paralympian (born 1973)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Darren Harris (born 20 June 1973) is a dual Paralympian in football and judo.[1] He is England’s highest capped and most decorated blind footballer, with 157 appearances and ten World and European medals.[2] Outside of sports, he is a number one bestselling author, motivational speaker, and mental skills coach.[3][4]
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 20 June 1973 Wolverhampton, Great Britain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Blind football Para judo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Early life
Harris went to New College Worcester as his sight continued to deteriorate. However, sport helped him deal with his disability.[5]
Professional sports career
Football (1996–2007)
Harris made his England blind football debut in 1996, became captain in 2002, and won medals in the 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 European Championships.[6]
The team qualified a place at the 2004 Paralympics. But did not participate, as none of the Home Nations except England would sanction a team to play as Great Britain.[7]
Judo (2005–2011)
Harris represented Great Britain in judo at the 2008 Paralympics in the -66 kg weight category.[8]
Football (2011–2019)
Harris represented Great Britain in football at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, where the team finished a disappointing 7th.[9]
Domestic honours
Harris was awarded a Star by the Albion Foundation for his 'Outstanding Contribution’ to WBA Teams.[10]
Other roles
Harris is a brand ambassador for Motability,[11] a non-executive director for Kaleidoscope Plus Group,[12] an honorary doctor with The Open University,[13] patron for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust,[14] and Governor for Wylde Green Primary School.[15]