Angus Leckonby stars in a new campaign ahead of the Special Olympics GB’s National Summer Games
Special Olympics GB athlete Angus Leckonby, from Driffield, is inspiring others to challenge their limits(Image: Coca Cola/ Special Olympics GB National Summer Games)
A Guinness World Record holding athlete is urging others to believe in their potential and achieve their dreams as part of a national campaign. Angus Leckonby, who is autistic and has verbal dyspraxia, has always pushed himself in new ways, training hard to be a champion triathlete as well as marathon runner.
And the inspiring athlete, 23, from Octon near Driffield, last year became the youngest and fastest man with an intellectual disability to complete a marathon, after pounding the streets of London in a record-breaking three hours, 36 minutes and 38 seconds. Now Angus hopes to encourage more people with an intellectual (learning) disability to believe in their potential and aim for the top, as part of the campaign from Coca-Cola and Special Olympics Great Britain (GB).
Taking place this week, Special Olympics GB’s National Summer Games will bring together more than 1,200 athletes from across England, Scotland and Wales, with competitions taking place nationwide and culminating in an event in Birmingham from August 27 to 30. For some athletes, the Games will provide a platform towards selection for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chile.
Angus initially joined Special Olympics GB as a swimmer, competed in galas across the country before qualifying for the GB Aquatics National Championships two years ago. Since then, he has added marathon runner and triathlons to his sporting skills, which led to last year’s amazing achievements, setting three Guinness World Records, including becoming the youngest and fastest male athlete with an intellectual disability to complete a marathon.
Coca-Cola’s new We Can campaign champions Special Olympics GB’s mission to use sport as a vehicle to make sure people with an intellectual disability are seen, valued and taken seriously. And Angus is one of four athletes featured in a series of films highlighting extraordinary sporting journeys and the power of opportunity, inclusion and community sport.
The campaign forms part of Coca-Cola’s role as headline partner of the 2026 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games and it is designed to celebrate the journey of athletes from local community clubs through to national and international competition.
Angus is now chasing his biggest ambition yet – representing Special Olympics GB at the 2027 World Summer Games in Chile. He said: “People sometimes underestimate what athletes with an intellectual disability can achieve – but I want to show that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work hard. I hope my journey inspires others to give sport a go and have the confidence to chase their dreams.”
Dusan Stojankic, general manager, Coca-Cola GB, added: “Angus’s journey shows what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. From breaking Guinness World Records to inspiring others to challenge themselves, he’s demonstrating exactly why athletes with intellectual disabilities deserve to be recognised as role models.
“We’re proud to work alongside Special Olympics GB to help bring stories like Angus’s to a wider audience.” Angus has been showcased alongside fellow athletes – Alex Rae, Taylor Mackenzie and Ellie-Bea Thomas – on Out of Home screens in the run-up to the Games.
Laura Baxter MBE, chief executive of Special Olympics GB, added: “Angus embodies everything Special Olympics GB stands for. His determination to keep challenging himself, combined with his willingness to inspire others, shows the transformative power of sport.
“By sharing stories like his through our partnership with Coca-Cola, we’re helping more people see athletes with intellectual disabilities for who they are – talented competitors, role models and ambassadors for inclusion.”
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