Harley Stokes brings home gold from World Dwarf Games 2023

Gladstone legend Harley Stokes attended the World Dwarf Games in Germany earlier this month, and returned a triple world champion.

Harley Stokes was part of the Australian team at the World Dwarf Games in Germany earlier this month, returning as a triple world champion.

At just 11 years old, Harley returned from the “Olympics for people with short stature” with two gold medals for swimming, and one for basketball.

Harley’s mum, Natasha Stokes, said that while achondroplasia had not seemed to set Harley back, the opportunity for him to attend the World Dwarf Games allowed him to compete against people of similar abilities.

“The games are one of the only opportunities for children with short stature to compete against other children of the same stature, but at the end of the day it wasn’t just an opportunity to compete but to make lots of amazing friends throughout the world,” Ms Stokes said.

Harley Stokes competing at the World Dwarf Championships in Germany. Picture: Supplied.

The World Dwarf Games were held in Cologne from July 29 to August 6.

Australia’s team was comprised of 42 athletes, eight of whom were under the age of 16, including Harley.

More than 500 athletes attended the games from 23 countries, with the opportunity only occurring once every four years.

Harley Stokes at the World Dwarf Games. Picture: Supplied.

In addition to three gold medals, Harley also received three silver medals for swimming, and a bronze medal for soccer.

“It was a very successful trip, every swim was also a personal best,” Ms Stokes said.

In the lead up to the games, Harley had to attend four training camps throughout Australia to trial for the competition.

“The lovely community of Gladstone and beyond really came together to assist with fundraising to assist in allowing Harley to attend and we, the Stokes family, will be forever grateful for this,” Ms Stokes said.