Words by Abi Scaife
It’s (almost) time for the Paralympics, and what better time to look back on some of the most inspirational Paralympians so far?
We love the Paralympics because of what it showcases - not just how resilient human beings are, but how adaptable, too. Here are four incredible Paralympians who display brilliant resilience, and strength to celebrate this month.
Martine is a British sitting volleyball player who was injured in the 7/7 London bombings. She was the most injured survivor, losing both legs in the 2005 terrorist attacks on the London underground, but has gone on to do incredible things.
Now an inspirational speaker, Sports TV personality, author, and Paralympian, Martine is perhaps one of the most resilient people around. From losing 80% of the blood in her body to representing Team GB at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, Martine shows us that there is always a way through, no matter what.
Often described as ‘one of Britain’s greatest Paralympians’, Lord Chris Holmes is a British life peer in the House of Lords. He represented Great Britain at four Paralympic games, winning a total of nine gold, five silver, and one bronze medal.
Representing Great Britain had always been the goal for the swimmer, but when Lord Holmes became blind as a teenager due to FEVR (Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy), a genetic eye condition, he had to adapt.
Since retiring from swimming, Lord Holmes has gone on to become a huge advocate for disabled rights from within parliament, even serving as the Director of Paralympic Integration for the London Olympics.
Kadeena began her athletic career competing in able-bodied events but, after being diagnosed with MS, began a career as a Paralympian. Now competing as a sprinter and cyclist in the Paralympic games, Kadeena has overcome incredible circumstances to be one of the most respected athletes today.
Aged just 23 when she went from an able-bodied athlete to a para-athlete, Kadeena is now a multi-gold medalist in the Paralympics. Her story of resilience and strength has gone on to inspire millions of people around the world, as well as raise awareness of MS and how it affects others.
Richard is a below-the-knee congenital amputee who has set world records for athletes with a double amputation, in both the full and half marathon. He is the first-ever patron of Sarcoma UK, the bone- and soft-tissue cancer charity, and has gone on to do a wealth of fundraising for them, and Scope.
Richard’s running has always been about activism, with his first-ever marathon in memory of his best friend Simon who was sadly lost to an aggressive form of bone cancer. Since setting records and winning some serious hardware at the Paralympics and beyond, Richard has continued telling his own story as an inspirational speaker, as well as using his platform to raise awareness and funds for some amazing charities.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Their World. This charity aims to help every child have a fulfilling education. Learn more here.
Right to Succeed. This charity supports communities in areas of high deprivation to give children and young people the best start in life. Support them here.
The World Literacy Foundation. This is a global non-profit organization striving to ensure that every child, regardless of geographic location, has the opportunity to acquire literacy skills. Find out more.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships for the Goals.
