"You Are So Much More Than a Diagnosis" says Inspiring Health Worker Who Overcame MS Barriers to Achieve Hyrox Success

A mental health worker who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at just 31 years old is determined to show how anyone can overcome their own barriers - as he celebrates a Hyrox podium win almost six years after his diagnosis.

When Louis Davies, now 37, was diagnosed with incurable Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) in 2020, he was warned that he could significantly lose his mobility within five years. Determined to defy his condition’s expectations, Louis transformed his physical and mental health, losing 5.5 stone by improving his relationship with food and developing a consistent, structured exercise routine that worked for him.

“I was basically told to expect to be in a wheelchair in 5 years’ time.” said Louis.

“When I was first diagnosed, ‘I can’t’ became part of my vocabulary. I kept telling myself I couldn’t do things because of MS. Although MS can be quite unpredictable, focusing on the things that I can do and the things that I can control has actually been really helpful for my physical and mental health as well.”

This led to Louis’ discovery of Hyrox - an inclusive global fitness competition that welcomes everyone from professional athletes, to wheelchair users and those with impairments, and offers six adaptive categories.

Competing in the neurological minor adaptive category at the London Hyrox in December 2025, Louis was able to complete the event with a few adaptations to accommodate his condition, which includes a weakness in the left side of his body, and balance and cognition challenges. As his symptoms can make running difficult and leave him confused when fatigued and overheated, Louis completed the course with the support of a guide runner.

Challenging the barriers of his condition, Louis achieved first place in his Hyrox category and placed third across all six adaptive categories in the competition. However, a place on the podium was the last of his goals when entering - his aim was simply to achieve something that he once thought impossible.

Louis is passionate that his inspirational story should serve as an example that a long-term health diagnosis is not always a barrier for achieving goals.

Louis said: “I want people to know that there is hope and there are opportunities to grow in spite of what's happened to them.

“I don't think I'm special in any particular way and if others who are living with a condition that can feel quite debilitating or distressing can see that, actually, there are so many opportunities for them to just empower themselves. You can have a number of barriers and challenges in your life, but you are so much more than a diagnosis.

“What's more important is not just living with that condition, but actually living a meaningful life. Everyone should feel that they've got a purpose and feel connected to themselves and to their communities.”

Louis, who is open about his identity as a trans man, is also extremely proud to have represented his community in the competition and believes he is the first open trans athlete to have won his Hyrox category.

“I want people to know that you can live a meaningful life [as a trans person]. You can go on to achieve things that you probably didn't think you were capable of doing.” said Louis.

Having sadly been through his own experiences of mental health distress, Louis now uses his background to support others in a Living / Lived Experience role with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s Mental Health Recovery College, offering community‑based support. As part of the Health Board’s pioneering Living / Lived Experience workforce, which also includes Peer Support and Peer Development workers, Louis believes there is huge value in combining lived experiences with clinical knowledge to provide care that is more person-centred and has better outcomes for service users.

Louis credits his transition for allowing him to truly be himself and for giving him the determination to achieve his goals and use his own experiences to help others.

He said: “I wouldn’t have done all of those things unless I’d been authentic to myself. So hopefully my story can let people know that if that’s who you are, it’s alright to be yourself. You can still go on to do amazing things and with the right support and understanding of people, you'll be surprised how you could go on to thrive. The most valuable thing we can give someone is to make them feel heard.”

Since his London Hyrox win, Louis has continued with his training and plans to compete again in the Cardiff Hyrox event this March - this time, alongside the friend who acted as his guide runner, in the doubles category.

Louis said: “Primary Progressive MS is quite rare and it’s rare to have it under the age of 50. It’s quite unpredictable, but I'm going to try and keep going for as long as I can. For me, this just really helps me focus on the things I can control.”