Adam Hills on the Paralympics and how The Last Leg broke down stigma

As a film enthusiast with a passion for both cinema and disability advocacy, I found my interview with Adam Hills to be nothing short of inspiring. His journey from growing up in Sydney, Australia, to covering the Paralympics for Australian television and ultimately hosting The Last Leg on Channel 4, has been one of resilience, determination, and a healthy dose of humor.

This interview was originally published in TopMob magazine.

As the esteemed host of “The Last Leg,” I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to a significant shift in public perception regarding the Paralympic Games over the years. In an exclusive interview with TopMob magazine, I share my insights on this transformative journey and discuss how our Channel 4 series has played a pivotal role in fostering this change.

What’s the view from your sofa?

The most cozy couch faces the television screen. To its right, there’s another sofa and to its left, a charming armchair. If I were to deceive myself, I might say it’s arranged for easy conversation among people sitting on different sides… but in truth, it’s set up so everyone can view the TV clearly.

And which seat is yours?

If my loved ones, including my wife and kids, aren’t in London with me most of the year, I have a cozy routine all set up for myself. I claim my favorite spot right in front of the TV, prop my feet up on the footrest, and enjoy a warm cup of tea. It’s a comfortable setup that suits me perfectly. However, when they visit from Australia, I find myself moved to the side sofa – it seems like the whole family dynamic changes!

What was it like for you, having been born and raised in Sydney, and then reporting on the Paralympics for Australian television for the first time back in 2008?

“Though I was born with only one foot, I’ve never truly identified myself as disabled. Initially, doctors believed that this condition would prevent me from walking, leaving my mother heartbroken. However, when I contracted an illness as a baby, she took me to the doctor, who suggested making a prosthetic for me. As a result, I was able to lead a perfectly normal life.”

As a person who has always tried to lead as normal a life as possible despite my challenges, I can wholeheartedly agree with the advice I was given – treat me like any other kid. When I fell over, it was expected that I would pick myself up and keep going without any unnecessary fuss. This approach not only helped me build resilience but also instilled in me a sense of independence that has served me well throughout my life.

2008 Paralympics taught me a valuable lesson: everyone there didn’t view themselves as disabled; they were simply living their lives to the fullest. It was an enlightening experience for me. I found my kinship – vibrant, energetic individuals participating in sports. This feeling intensified in 2012 when ParalympicsGB entered the stadium amidst fireworks and “Heroes” playing to a crowd of 80,000 people. At that moment, I yearned to be part of that inspiring group. Later, I came to recognize, “I’m already a part of it! I am disabled.”

It’s amazing how much change the Paralympics brings about, isn’t it?

Absolutely amazing! It’s inspiring to think that a 42-year-old can watch the Games and feel proud of their disability. Just imagine the impact on 12-year-olds! Seeing someone like them achieving great things can make a world of difference. Representation truly matters because it gives us role models to aspire to.

What’s the significance of you receiving an MBE for contributions to disability awareness, and your work on Channel 4’s The Last Leg in combating stigma?

You might not expect a Paralympics recap program, presented by three individuals with a combined total of four legs, to spark awareness. But it did!

Following our initial broadcast, I scanned through tweets to gauge audience reactions. One user inquired, “Is it acceptable to inquire about certain disabilities, as some seem to have able bodies?” Another commented, “Is it okay to acknowledge that some Paralympians appear quite fit?” To address these questions and any others, we developed a segment where viewers could ask us anything, and we’d strive to provide answers.

You were very sporty as a child and you were close to becoming a Paralympian yourself…

At the age of twelve, I was given an opportunity to audition for the Paralympic Games. However, playing tennis wasn’t a possibility in 1982. Fast-forwarding to the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, the wheelchair tennis coach suggested to me, “Would you like to play wheelchair tennis? I believe your disability may be sufficient for classification.”

After returning home, I met up with the leader of the Australian team over coffee, who advised me that I’d have to adapt to living life in a wheelchair for it to feel like a natural part of me. On a tennis court, when the ball falls short, your initial response is to move your legs – but for me, I would need to learn to use my arms and roll my wheels. However, at that time, I was not ready to spend my life confined to a wheelchair.

Previously, I stumbled upon Para-Standing Tennis, a worldwide initiative [a form of tennis played without wheelchairs], which led me to understand that many individuals have been overlooked. Consequently, I created a documentary titled “Foot Fault” for Sky Sports with the aim of educating people about it.

2024-08-20 02:34

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