Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known as Nitro on the BBC's Gladiators, has opened up about how becoming a father transformed his outlook, calling his former sprinting career 'selfish'. The 37-year-old, who also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, told the Daily Mail that his daughter, Aubreé-Isla, is now his 'entire world', prompting him to trade athletics for television.
From Olympic Sprinter to TV Star
Before his current fame, Harry competed in the Commonwealth Games and Olympics as a sprinter. In 2023, he retired from athletics to spend more time with his wife, Lauren, and their five-year-old daughter. Reflecting on his past, he admitted, 'I selfishly did a lot of things for myself as a sprinter, as an Olympic athlete. You compromise and sacrifice on a lot of things around life. But the moment you have a child…'
He confessed that initially, he felt sadness at his daughter's birth, thinking, 'She won't know me as a sprinter and having won X amount of medals. But that was so selfish of me.' However, he now sees a greater gift: his daughter can watch him on Gladiators and MasterChef, which he appeared on in 2024, teaching her 'different things about life'.
Life Lessons Through TV Roles
Harry shared that Aubreé-Isla has become his cooking buddy since MasterChef, saying, 'I can't even get a chopping board out without her being next to me after MasterChef. She cooks with me all the time.' The show also sparked her interest in dance, leading Harry to enroll her in a performing arts school, hinting she might follow in his footsteps.
'And Gladiators is teaching her to be the best version of herself and to be confident, to be proud,' he added, joking that she asks friends if they 'want to meet Nitro'. He and Lauren aim to maintain 'an essence of normality within the house' while supporting her interests.
Nitro's Rise and New Challenges
Harry chose the name Nitro because he's a 'form of energy' himself. He joined Gladiators three years ago when the show was rebooted, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Filming for the next season is underway, with new faces replacing departed Gladiators.
Earlier this year, Giant (Jamie Bigg) was let go amid reports of a romance with an OnlyFans model. Bionic and Athena are injured, and Cyclone, the first Irish Gladiator, has also been axed, with insiders suggesting she's 'not happy'. Replacements include Olympic skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, fitness influencer Florence Wong as Huntress, and World's Strongest Man Tom Stoltman, who called the casting a 'dream opportunity' and 'incredibly proud' moment.
Stoltman said, 'I've spent my life pushing myself to see what I can achieve, and joining this incredible show is the next challenge. I'm excited to bring my strength, determination and personality to the arena, but, most importantly, I want people watching to feel inspired to believe in themselves and take on their own challenges.'
Fans will see the new Gladiators in the regular series in 2027, but a Celebrity Special is coming sooner, featuring AJ Odudu, Chris Ramsey, Sara Pascoe, and George Clarke. Gladiators returns to the BBC later this year.
