At Call Handling, we take immense pride in the diverse and dynamic backgrounds of our team members. Now, in the midst of celebrating all athlete’s achievements in the Paris Olympics, we shine a spotlight on Justin Levene, whose life journey exemplifies the power of dedication and resilience. Justin is an athlete, a world champion and an inspiration to us all.
His Journey
From a young age, Justin was a promising rugby star. Days before his 21st birthday, he experienced a life-altering event. A simple cough led to a herniated disc, and subsequent surgeries resulted in paralysis, leaving him in hospital for almost 18 months. However, what could have been a devastating end to an athlete’s career became the start of an incredible journey of perseverance and triumph.
Sport became a lifeline for Justin. He found his competitive edge with wheelchair basketball and quickly rose to prominence with wheelchair racing, winning 29 marathon titles globally.
His athletic achievements don’t stop there, Justin also the World and European Champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, having secured his second world championship in Abu Dhabi in 2023.
His accomplishments are numerous and impressive. In 2022, he completed the first unsupported crossing of the USA by handbike, raising over £200,000 for Get Kids Going!, a remarkable charity that supports disabled children to become athletes, even when they are over 18 years old. This feat underscores his determination and willingness to push boundaries, while making a positive impact.
Justin was due to compete in the Paralympics in Rio in 2016, but he got hit by a car while training in Regents Park in London. This accident ruined his chair and injured his neck, so unfortunately his promising participation in the Rio Olympics was not possible. Nevertheless, being one of the Top 10 most powerful and influential disabled people in the UK Justin has been invited by the British Ambassador to attend an upcoming Paralympic event in Paris this year.
A Powerful Advocate for Change
A few years ago, a video of Justin dragging himself on his hands across the floor of Luton airport went viral, leading to an appearance on TV to discuss the incident.
He was returning from Croatia with friends, and upon landing at Luton, faced a long wait. Eventually, the staff informed him that his wheelchair was likely still in Croatia and no replacement was available.
With no procedures in place to address such situations, Justin had no choice but to drag himself through the airport. His friend captured the ordeal on his phone. For a year, Justin campaigned quietly, urging Luton to acknowledge their error and implement necessary procedural changes. When the airport continuously refused to admit their mistake, he decided to make the video public.
This incident highlighted the necessity for accessible options, and thankfully, the public outcry led to Luton Airport ensuring wheelchairs were available for anyone in need. This experience has fuelled his passion for advocating for disabled individuals, striving for equal treatment and the ability to navigate daily life with dignity and independence.
Balancing Passion & Profession
Justin is a staunch advocate for equality and human rights. He tirelessly works to see fair treatment for everyone. He shared “Since becoming paralysed, I have dedicated myself to helping others and working with charities, and I love that charities are the core area of the business”. Call Handling is dedicated to providing reliable and innovative communication solutions for contact centres, with a strong focus on supporting charities and making a positive impact.
We take immense pride in having Justin in our team as the Business Development Leader. Our flexible working environment enables our team members to balance their personal and professional lives. For Justin, “Flexible working is the most important thing for me. It not only allows me to still train and focus on my athletic pursuits, but also allows me space to manage the daily needs that arise from having an impairment”.
Looking ahead, Justin is aiming for his third world title in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and plans to participate in numerous marathons and cycling events throughout the year. His long-term goals include daring adventures, such as crossing the formidable Annapurna mountain in the Himalayas in 2026. Stay tuned as he sets new records and raises funds for charities with each incredible achievement.
The Real Battle He Won
Reflecting on his journey, Justin says, “For me, it has been a battle, but I’ve fought my way back and come a long way since losing the use of my legs”. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and dedication.
Join us in celebrating Justin and his extraordinary journey. We are honoured to have him as part of our team and look forward to supporting him in continuing to excel in all his future endeavours.