Local teacher’s international medal shines a light on perseverance
A teacher from St. Helens has claimed a high-profile sporting result on the world stage despite living with a lifelong medical condition that affects balance and stamina. Bronté Barratt, 29, a year-three teacher at The District C of E Primary School in St. Helens, finished second in the ‘Neurological Minor’ division at last month’s Hyrox World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden.
The result is particularly notable because Bronté was born with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, a condition that causes benign tumours to develop along the nervous system and impairs coordination and endurance. She has described a lifetime of being teased about her condition, and said the achievement felt deeply personal and emotional.
“To come second when I’ve been picked on for my condition my whole life felt amazing.”
The teacher has been open with pupils about her condition and how sport and running have helped her find confidence. She said running became a refuge and the first activity at which she felt successful. That openness is a strong message for children at her school and for others in St. Helens living with similar challenges.
- Event: Hyrox World Championships, Stockholm — Bronté placed 2nd in her category.
- Condition: Neurofibromatosis Type 1 — affects balance, coordination and fatigue levels.
- Local role: Year three teacher at The District C of E Primary School, St. Helens.
Bronté described the world championships as an overwhelming experience and said she cried at the event because she had never imagined reaching such a level in sport. Her determination now extends to a clear set of goals: to compete in and win all UK-based races over the next year and then to travel to Hong Kong for the 2027 World Championships.
| Competition | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Hyrox World Championships (Neurological Minor) | Stockholm, Sweden | 2nd |
Her story has resonance beyond sporting success. She stresses that persistence and trying new activities can open unexpected opportunities. She told pupils to ‘have a go’ because they might find what suits them. That message, from a local teacher who has overcome daily challenges to excel internationally, is likely to be felt across classrooms and community groups in St. Helens.
For a town that values grassroots sport and community role models, Bronté’s achievement is a reminder that international success can come from local places and that public understanding of conditions like Neurofibromatosis Type 1 benefits from everyday leadership and visibility.
