Pugh was born in
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. In 1981, he and his family moved to
Perth, Western Australia. As a youth, he competed in
athletics. At age 12, he represented Western Australia at the Australian track and field championships. He specialised in the 400m
hurdles. After completing university with a degree in physical and outdoor education, he returned to England to work at several schools in
London. ==Career==