Paralympic gold to purpose: Richard Whitehead’s sprint beyond sport

In this blog, Marketing Manager Wilma Saah, shares her takeaways from Season 2 Episode 6 of Mind.Set

In this episode, we hear from Richard Whitehead, Paralympic gold medallist, marathon runner turned sprinter, and someone who’s spent his career challenging assumptions.

What stood out most was Richard’s clarity of purpose. He’s not driven by medals or records, but by impact. His story isn’t framed around overcoming adversity, it’s about building a life that reflects who he is, not what others expect.

He spoke candidly about identity, visibility, and the role sport played in shaping both. His shift from long-distance running to sprinting wasn’t just a change in discipline, it was a strategic move to increase representation and challenge perceptions on a global stage.

There’s also a strong thread of resilience throughout the episode. From personal loss to professional reinvention, Richard’s approach is pragmatic and intentional. He’s clear about what drives him, and equally clear about what doesn’t.

For me, this episode was a reminder that purpose isn’t something you find, it’s something you build. And that leadership, in any context, is about showing up consistently, with integrity and intent.