Lewis Hamilton reveals how he turned to martial arts to take on school bullies in emotional Instagram post
- Formula One world champion opens up on the ‘sadness’ of his tough childhood as ‘one of three black kids in my school’
- Hamilton gives inspirational message to children, saying karate gave him confidence to stand up for himself
Formula One icon Lewis Hamilton has revealed in a touching Instagram post that he turned to karate as a young boy to help defend himself against bullies at school.
The 34-year-old Hamilton is a five-time world champion and a bona fide sporting superstar but opened up on the difficulties he faced growing up “as one of only three black kids in my school” in Stevenage, England.
“I know what it’s like to feel like an outsider. As a kid I was always last pick for teams in the playground,” he said. “I know the sadness that comes with feeling like you don’t fit in or not being accepted for who you are. And I know what it’s like to be bullied for it too.
“At school, I was small, alone and an easy target for the bigger kids. I’d stand up for myself, but was usually outnumbered and didn’t know how to defend myself. I remember sitting in the back of the car as a six-year-old driving home with my dad and step mum, being so sad inside but too embarrassed to tell them.”
Hamilton, who starts second on the grid for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, said, however, that he had always had self-belief and positivity deep down – and that turning to martial arts helped him unlock it.
“I knew if I wanted things to change I’d have to be fearless,” he said. “If my teachers weren’t going to help then I’d have to learn how to defend myself. So, sat in that car, I asked my dad if I could go to karate.
“Karate taught me discipline, respect and humility and gave me the confidence to stand up to those bullies, and to stand up for others who were being bullied. This was one of the best feelings once I got to high school, being able to defend others and oppress bullies.
“Bullying should not be tolerated, schools must be tough on bullying, and parents, give your kids the tools to be able to defend themselves,” Hamilton added.
He urged children not to stay silent, hide or change who they are, and told them to embrace what makes them different.
“Tell your parents and teachers if you’re being bullied. And, if you can, go to defence class,” he said. “In the end, though you might not feel it, you are strong. I believe in you.”
Stars of the sports world were quick to show their support for Hamilton.
“Brought tears to my eyes,” said tennis superstar Venus Williams, while Liverpool’s Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum also thanked Hamilton for his inspirational words.
