Big shot on campus

Pursuing school politics, sport and dreams of stardom: Harry Winston has many balls in the air and one of them is as a shot putter. Harry is president of the student union at Treloar College, a school governor, a member of the England Athletics Track and Field squad, has hopes for 2012, and is pursuing his broadcasting ambitions with a placement at Sky Sports.

What’s the best thing about being disabled?
All those benefits! And as a sports fanatic – when stewards at events spot the wheelchair I go to the front of the queue.

What makes you angry?
Being patronised. It happens to everyone at my school when visitors overdo the praise for ordinary stuff.

What’s the funniest thing anyone’s ever said to you about your disability? And have you any good put-downs?
My paediatrician told my parents I wouldn’t be able to write my name and I’d always be incontinent, but I proved her wrong. As for put-downs – only my shot put.

If you were Prime Minister what would you do to improve things for disabled people?
I’d get disability sport and disability politics to the forefront, and I’d get rid of the red tape around claiming benefits.

What’s the one thing that could be invented to make your life as a disabled person better?
I could walk with a K-Walker until I had a hip operation so I’d like a machine to help wheelchair-users walk.

What do you most like about your work and studies?
Waking up and seeing every day as a challenge.

And what do you not like about it?
When staff care too much instead of letting us do things for ourselves.

Who’s your favourite disabled person ever?
Stephen Hawking is a pioneer for disabled people.

Do you have any special or hidden talent?
I’m a natural leader. That’s not arrogance; it’s self-confidence.

How would you sum yourself up?
I have the will power to succeed and I have the persona to be a pioneer for disabled people.