Henry VV Hughes
Who am I.
Henry VV Hughes DLY is a Deaflympian who competed at the international level despite adversities along the way, with criticism towards his disability and choice to be educated at home.
To this day he continues to face many ugly demons and cowardly shadows in his quest to achieve equality for himself and others making some remarkable allies and ever-lasting acquaintances along the way.
He aims to be in a position of power so he can give children the support he never had growing up.
“No one in the outside world told me I was amazing, so I told myself that I was… amazing.
As a deaf swimmer, I was and still am besieged with perceptions and judgments of my character by people who only know one thing about me, my disability… my deafness.
A trait of mine that has been perceived… labelled as a weakness, not a strength, that makes me sensitive, not empowered.
This makes me feel one thing and one thing only… shame, such a simple word for its meaning sinks deep.”
- extract from a speech Henry gave at the Meta HQ
Henry VV Hughes DLY
Explainer
About Henry
Henry is a profoundly Deaf person who has overcome adversity to get where he is today and he is not stopping there.
Raised in Australia for the first 19 years, Henry moved to the UK to deliver his aspiration to be the first British Deaf Swimmer at the Olympics and become a Deaflympic Champion, unrealistic is what many name his desire, but doing it is what keeps him chasing his dream.
He also has an expanding diverse social advocacy portfolio aimed at progressing further change in society and helping communities that seek his guidance and support.
What Does He Stand For?
Henry is an ambitious character who wants to excel in his life.
He wants to show the world that a “Deaf boy can do it” and demonstrate leadership and kindness through the power of his actions whether that be in the pool, in his advocacy work or in his friendships.
He is a staunch advocate for young people getting into advocacy and the power of what “storytelling” can do to the grassroots of society around us.
What he emphasises is communication, culture & collaboration, the Three C’s that he believes are the foundation of any success on any level in any area.
Facts About Him
Proudly British South Asian & Kiwi Heritage
Chelsea Football Club & England FC Fan
Mercedes AMG Petronas & McLaren Racing Fan
Roger Federer & Sir Lewis Hamilton are his sporting idols
Platinum subscriber Italian & Indian Cuisines
A history lover, a Napoleonic Wars Nerd