Former RAF man Richard follows pro-sport dream

RICHARD . . . the only Brit to be invited for the American challenge

A 30-year-old high-flying Grasscroft man has been given a one in a million chance to compete against some of the world’s toughest athletes.

Richard Hill, a former RAF Flight Lieutenant, is the only Briton to be invited to try for a place in the exclusive American Grid League - the world’s first professional sport in which teams compete in strategic athletics racing.

The popular US mainstream sporting league features two-hour matches with two 14-strong teams of seven men and seven women, one of each over 40 years old. The teams compete in 11 events and are organised in such a way that strategy plays a major role.

“It is the fully professional, internationally televised CrossFit league aimed at finding the fittest on earth,” he explained. “I have to try out then hopefully earn my place among Olympians, World Champions, NFL and NBA players — some of the world’s best athletes.”

Richard, who has served two tours in Afghanistan, didn’t compete in the qualifier but was specially invited by organisers who had read his social media posts.

“I am the only Brit invited to try out - with the possibility of being the UK’s only signed athlete,” he said. “Its a real million to one chance.”

Richard quit the RAF after six years to be closer to his family and open a gym.

He flies to San Francisco next month and competes in Grid League (www.npgl. com) on March 27.

Check out www.crowdfunder.co.uk/sendrichard-to-npgl-pro-day