Celebrating extraordinary people across Bourne Education Trust

At Bourne Education Trust, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our colleagues - individuals who go above and beyond. These are the stories that inspire, uplift and remind us of what’s possible.

We begin this new series with an extraordinary colleague from Kings International College - Ricky Banner.

This month, Ricky made history on the global fitness stage. After becoming the first amputee to ever complete a full Hyrox Pro event without adaptations, he took second place in his division at the 2025 World Hyrox Championships in Chicago.

From the frontline in Afghanistan to the finish line in Chicago, Ricky’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.

Ricky’s journey began with life-changing trauma. While serving in the armed forces in Afghanistan on December 11th 2010, just days after his 28th birthday, an IED explosion led to the loss of his foot. After extensive rehabilitation, he found new purpose working with young people - offering pastoral and safeguarding support as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Operational Behaviour Manager at Kings International College.

It was through this next chapter of life that he discovered Hyrox.

“I went to watch a Hyrox event a few years ago. Everyone was super fit, and I thought, ‘This isn't for me,’” Ricky recalls. “But as I walked away, an athlete in a wheelchair - Tyler Saunders - chased me down and said, ‘You should do it.’ That moment lit a fire.”

Breaking barriers in sport

Hyrox is an international fitness race that pushes athletes through a gruelling combination of endurance, running and functional strength stations, including sled pushes, lunges and wall balls. Ricky began training and entering events in 2023 and quickly set his sights on competing at a high level.

No adaptive athlete had ever completed the men’s Pro division without modifications - heavier weights, longer distances and no compromises.

In Glasgow, Ricky completed his first full Pro race in just 1 hour and 22 minutes, a time close to his personal best.

“Someone tapped me on the back mid-race and said, ‘Mate, you’re incredible. Keep going.’ That picked me up. I thought, ‘Step it up. You’ve got more.’”

Chicago 2025: making history

Just three weeks before the World Championships in Chicago, Ricky launched a GoFundMe to make the trip possible. It was the 6th Hyrox World Championship, and the first-time adaptive divisions were formally recognised. Out of more than 1,000 UK athletes and 50 adaptive competitors worldwide, nearly half of the adaptive athletes were from the UK.

Competing in the Adaptive division, Ricky placed second in the world in the lower limb impairment category. His only adaptation was completing two sled stations over 25 metres instead of 50 – otherwise, it was the same race, same rules, same relentless challenge.

“I’m out to prove that while I am disabled, I’m also very able”

Beyond the competition

Ricky’s achievements go far beyond physical fitness. He began competing for his own mental health, drawing from his military background and the therapeutic power of movement. He also runs mental health retreats for men, twice a year, using the same wellbeing strategies he brings into school every day.

At Kings International College, Ricky is a role model of resilience and support, helping students navigate challenges, build confidence and believe in their own potential.

Ricky Banner’s achievements, both personal and professional, stand on their own, and we’re proud to share his story.