For many sports fans in the UK, the name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey instantly sparks recognition. Known for his blistering speed on the track, his vibrant personality on television, and his powerful presence as Nitro on Gladiators, Harry has built a career that bridges elite athletics and mainstream entertainment.
But beyond the medals, sprints, and dazzling TV performances, there’s another side to his story that fans are eager to know, his family life.
Who is the woman who shares his journey? How did they meet, and what does life look like away from the spotlight? This article dives into the world of Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, exploring both his professional achievements and his personal life with his wife.
Using verified details from official profiles and reputable news sources, we’ll uncover his early life, his rise in athletics, his success in television, and his family story. It’s a mix of sport, love, and public life, told with the detail and accuracy his fans deserve.
Who Is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey?
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Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, often affectionately nicknamed “Harry A-A” and recognised by many as “Nitro” from the reboot of Gladiators, was born on 29 August 1988 in Carshalton, Sutton, England.
As of 2025, he is 36 years old. Standing at 1.81 metres (5 feet 11 inches) tall and weighing 85 kilograms, his physical build reflects the power and athleticism that have defined his sprinting career.
Early Life And Family Background
Harry grew up in South London, developing an early love for sport. While public records provide limited details about his parents, it’s clear that his upbringing fostered both discipline and ambition.
His connection to athletics began at a young age, and he joined the Sutton and District Athletics Club, where his sprinting talent quickly became apparent.
Rise In Athletics
Harry’s breakthrough moment came in 2004 when he won a silver medal in the 100 metres at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
A year later, he made history by becoming the first athlete to win gold in both the 100 metres and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships. This achievement earned him the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award in 2005.
From there, his career gathered pace. Representing Great Britain and England, he became a key member of the national relay squads.
He won medals across multiple international events, including the European Championships, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and World Relays.
Who Is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Wife?
Harry is married to Lauren, a woman who has largely stayed out of the media spotlight. While public details about her early life, date of birth, and family background are scarce, it’s known that the couple share a strong, supportive relationship built on mutual respect and shared values.
Lauren’s role in Harry’s life is one of steady encouragement, particularly important for someone balancing the demands of elite sport and television commitments.
She is also the mother of their daughter, Aubree-Isla, and the family maintains a grounded lifestyle despite Harry’s public profile.
Private Yet Supportive Presence
Lauren is not a regular fixture in interviews or TV appearances, which adds to her mystery but also highlights her choice to maintain a low public profile.
From available interviews and features, it’s clear she attends key events and celebrates Harry’s milestones, but she prefers her role to be away from the cameras.
How Did Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Meet His Wife Lauren?
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The exact story of how Harry and Lauren first met hasn’t been widely shared in interviews, reflecting their preference for privacy in their personal life.
However, given Harry’s active social and professional life in both athletics and television, it’s likely they met through social circles connected to sport or media.
A Relationship Built On Stability
In the competitive world of athletics and entertainment, relationships can face unique pressures. Harry has often hinted that his home life provides him with a sense of balance and focus.
This stability has been key in allowing him to maintain the mental strength needed for training, competitions, and performing on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Gladiators.
Do Harry Aikines-Aryeetey And His Wife Have Children?
Yes, Harry and Lauren are proud parents to their daughter, Aubree-Isla. While Harry often speaks about his professional journey in athletics and television, he remains protective of his family’s privacy, especially when it comes to his child.
This approach reflects a conscious decision to keep her away from the constant media attention that public figures face.
However, on special occasions, such as birthdays or family holidays, he has shared glimpses of their life together, often expressing how much joy fatherhood brings him.
Parenthood And Career
Balancing the demands of elite sport, frequent training sessions, and television commitments with the responsibilities of parenthood requires exceptional time management and dedication.
Harry has acknowledged in interviews that being a father has changed his perspective, adding a deeper sense of purpose to his daily routine. While competitive goals and media opportunities remain important, he prioritises family time and seeks to be a present and involved parent.
This balance allows him to draw emotional strength from home life, which in turn supports his performance both on the track and on screen.
What Is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s Career In Athletics?
Harry’s athletics career is a story of early promise that matured into sustained excellence over two decades. Starting with standout performances in youth competitions, he quickly established himself as a top-tier sprinter.
His record at the 2005 World Youth Championships remains iconic, winning both the 100m and 200m gold medals, something no athlete had done before.
Over the years, Harry became a mainstay of the British 4x100m relay team, earning gold at the European Championships in 2014, 2018, and 2022, as well as gold in the Commonwealth Games relay events in 2018 and 2022.
He also achieved notable individual success, such as his bronze medal in the 100m at the 2014 European Championships. His career demonstrates remarkable consistency, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure at major international competitions.
Key Career Highlights
- First athlete to win both 100m and 200m gold at the World Youth Championships (2005)
- BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year (2005)
- Represented Great Britain at the Rio Olympics (2016)
- Multiple European Championship gold medals in the 4x100m relay (2014, 2018, 2022)
- Commonwealth Games gold medals in the 4x100m relay (2018, 2022)
Has Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Competed In The Olympics?
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Yes, Harry competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, representing Great Britain in athletics. Qualifying for the Olympics is an achievement in itself, given the rigorous selection process and intense competition.
For Harry, this was the culmination of years of training, discipline, and performance at the highest levels of international sprinting. While he did not bring home a medal from Rio, his Olympic appearance reinforced his position as one of the UK’s top sprinters.
It also gave him valuable experience on the world’s biggest sporting stage, which would later inform his approach to other high-pressure competitions.
For athletes like Harry, the Olympics represent not just a single event but a milestone that defines their career trajectory and international standing.
What TV Shows Has Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Appeared On?
Harry’s personality and presence have made him a natural fit for television. His most notable role is as Nitro on the BBC’s reboot of Gladiators, which debuted in 2023.
The show’s physical challenges and competitive atmosphere suited his athletic background perfectly, and he quickly became one of the most recognisable figures in the cast.
Outside Gladiators, Harry has built a varied TV portfolio. In 2021, he appeared on Celebs On The Farm, finishing as runner-up. He then joined Epic Pranks, a spin-off entertainment show. In 2024, he tested his cooking skills on Celebrity MasterChef.
That same year, he danced in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, where he and partner Nancy Xu finished joint second. In 2025, Harry joined the main cast of Strictly Come Dancing, bringing his trademark energy and charm to the dance floor.
Television Appearances
- Gladiators (as Nitro, 2023–present)
- Celebs On The Farm (2021, runner-up)
- Epic Pranks (spin-off show)
- Celebrity MasterChef (2024)
- Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special (2024, joint second place)
- Strictly Come Dancing main series (2025 contestant)
Why Is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Known As Nitro On Gladiators?
When Harry joined the Gladiators reboot in 2023, he was given the name Nitro, a moniker that perfectly captures his explosive speed, high-energy performance style, and competitive spirit.
Nitro is one of the standout characters on the show, combining athletic skill with an engaging stage presence. The name also ties into Harry’s sprinting background, where acceleration and power are everything.
As Nitro, Harry has embraced the larger-than-life persona required for Gladiators, entertaining audiences while still displaying the physicality that made him a champion sprinter.
His success in the role has helped broaden his appeal beyond athletics fans, introducing him to a whole new audience through primetime television.
What Are Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s Major Achievements And Medals?
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Harry’s medal collection reflects his versatility and endurance as a top-level athlete. His achievements include multiple gold medals in the European Championships and Commonwealth Games, as well as podium finishes in the World Championships and World Relays.
These medals have been earned across both individual and team events, demonstrating his ability to excel as part of a relay squad and in solo sprints.
| Year | Event | Medal | Discipline |
| 2009 | World Championships | Bronze | 4x100m relay |
| 2014 | European Championships | Gold | 4x100m relay |
| 2014 | European Championships | Bronze | 100m |
| 2014 | Commonwealth Games | Silver | 4x100m relay |
| 2018 | European Championships | Gold | 4x100m relay |
| 2018 | Commonwealth Games | Gold | 4x100m relay |
| 2019 | World Relays | Bronze | 4x100m relay |
| 2022 | European Championships | Gold | 4x100m relay |
| 2022 | Commonwealth Games | Gold | 4x100m relay |
What Is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s Net Worth?
Harry’s estimated net worth in 2025 is between £1 million and £2 million. This figure takes into account his earnings from competitive athletics, sponsorship deals, appearance fees, and his expanding television career.
Gladiators, Strictly Come Dancing, and other entertainment projects have opened new revenue streams beyond sport, while his athletic legacy continues to generate opportunities for endorsements and public appearances.
It’s worth noting that Harry’s value as a public figure is not solely financial. His reputation for professionalism, energy, and adaptability ensures that his brand appeal remains strong, creating long-term career sustainability even after his sprinting days eventually conclude.
What’s Next For Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s Career?
As of 2025, Harry’s career is in an exciting phase. His continued role as Nitro on Gladiators keeps him in the public eye, while his participation in Strictly Come Dancing allows him to showcase a different side of his talents.
Beyond television, he remains active in athletics circles, whether through competition, mentoring, or public engagement.
Looking ahead, Harry is likely to explore further entertainment opportunities, building on his already impressive crossover from sport to media. His charisma, athletic ability, and dedication to his craft suggest that the next chapter of his career will be as dynamic as his sprint finishes.
Conclusion
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s story is one of dedication, adaptability, and charm. From his record-breaking early years in athletics to his magnetic presence on television, he has carved out a unique space in British sport and media.
At the heart of it all is his family life with wife Lauren and daughter Aubree-Isla, which provides the foundation for his success. As he continues to inspire on the track, the dance floor, and our screens, Harry remains a figure whose story is far from finished.
FAQs
Who is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey married to?
Harry is married to Lauren, with whom he has a daughter named Aubree-Isla.
What is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s nickname?
He is known as Harry A-A and Nitro.
Has Harry Aikines-Aryeetey won Olympic medals?
He competed at the Rio 2016 Olympics but did not win a medal.
What is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s personal best time?
His personal bests are 10.00 seconds for the 100m and 20.46 seconds for the 200m.
What shows has Harry appeared on apart from Gladiators?
He has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity MasterChef, Celebs On The Farm, and Epic Pranks.
How many gold medals has Harry won at the Commonwealth Games?
He has won two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, in 2018 and 2022.
