20 January 2024 , 17:50
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The new reboot of Gladiators is upon us, with fans of the '90s telly contest thrilled to see their favourite events like Duel and Hang Tough back again - with a few new ones added to the mix. And while the 16 new "super humans" the contenders have to face all have seriously impressive CVs, Nitro's is pretty hard to beat.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is a champion sprinter, competing at the highest level in the UK since he was a youngster. Harry was named 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality Of The Year aged 17 when he became the first athlete to win gold at the 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships. "I was gifted from a young age," he said.
As an adult, the powerhouse has won gold in the 4x100 metres relay at the European Championships and Commonwealth Games. He is also a two times Olympian and World Bronze Medallist, with a host of other athletic achievements under his belt. Muhammad Ali is an inspiration, with Harry saying: "When the odds were against him and people didn't think that he'd be as successful as he was, that's one of the things that drives me. sometimes in the face of adversity you've just got to drive through it."
Nitro chats to show host Barney Walsh (BBC / © Hungry Bear Media Ltd)Now 35, Harry combines work as an online fitness coach, running a successful app, with competing on the track. He has an estimated net worth of £3.9 million.
The sportsman stands at 5ft 11ins and has thighs an impressive 25ins in circumference. His diet is mainly protein-based, enjoying steak for breakfast and snacks of cured meat. “I’ve been blessed with good genetics, obviously,” Harry told Men’s Health magazine.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
Like many new Gladiators the Leicestershire man was a fan of the original show as a child, describing the opportunity to join the show as "a childhood dream come true". "You think: 'Gosh, I played those games in the estate where I grew up and I've got the opportunity to actually bring it to life," he said. "It's a celebration of what we are and what we've done."
Harry has an impressive 269,000 followers on Instagram and regularly posts popular workout videos on YouTube. As well as fitness updates, the dad shares the occasional snap of his adorable young daughter Aubreé-Isla too, calling her his "Mini Me".
Watch Gladiators on Saturdays at 5.50pm, BBC One and BBC iPlayer