Matthew Akpan: Autistic Guinness World Record Holder On John Award and Inspiring Others | Athletics News

The Guinness World Record holder Matthew Akpan has two world records of Guinness, which he achieved while dressed as a John price; The runner was diagnosed as autistic in 2013 and lost two family members during the pandemic, now inspired for others

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Guinness World Record holder Matthew Akpan talks to Sky Sports about his diagnosis of autism and inspiration from others

This Guinness World Record holder hopes to inspire other autistic people because he aims to break his own half marathon record on Great North Run in September while dressed as John price.

In 2013, Matthew Akpan was diagnosed as autistic and has since broken three Guinness world records, two of which are still holding and are for the fastest marathon and half marathon times while dressed as a wrestler.

Pandemic inspired Akpan to take a call to achieve his own world record after he lost two members of his family.

“We were all at the time of Covid when we all lost people,” Akpan said. “Especially in my situation I lost my grandmother and unfortunately my dad died of kidney failure in January 2021.

“As a tribute to him and anyone who lost someone, I wanted to do something to remember him, and I started choosing a world record of Guinness as a professional wrestler.

“(Running gives me) the feeling of openness and relief for who I am. I feel great and a kind of sense I can solve anything.”

Akpan’s story even pointed out from WWE legend John Prize, his wrestler, who decided to dress as for these records who sent tweet to praise the record holders.

He described the recognition from the price as “incredible” also separately, which shows Akpan that he has a platform for good and inspire others.

The acceptance of the diagnosis of autism in 2013 ruled Akpan’s self -confidence after he had been struggling at the university and suspicion that something was holding him back.

Matthew Akpan will try to break your own Guinness World Record on Great North Run at the end of this year

“When I was diagnosed with autism in 2013, when I failed in 2012, I decided to try to return to the university because I felt that something was holding me back,” he said.

“When I found out, it was a little relief because I knew I could potentially return to the Uni, understand myself better and be able to grow.

“I think it is in life to talk about it, and I think that’s why many people in the spectrum are trying to talk about being autistic because they see these challenges and the way people react.

“So either the privileges that others are, or eventually leave, because the pressure is too big for them to match them.

“Many people said they were inspired by my efforts, which also associate with me, that I am on the autistic spectrum, through my success and through the state I have, inspires others who may not have the courage to say that we can do anything we want.”

Akpan will run on Great North Run in September, hoping to break a record for one hour 24 minutes for a half marathon, while re -dressed as a price.