Jude Hamer’s incredible journey to becoming a 3x Paralympian began in 2007 after attending a local club wheelchair basketball training session which sparked her passion for the sport & lead to her being involved in the GB team just let two years later at the age of 18.
Born with a rare limb difference to her right leg, Jude grew up different to most of her peers and faced over 25 surgeries in the first 15 years of her life to combat her limb difference. After many years of battling through her disability Jude decided to have her leg amputated at the age of 16 which changed the course of her life completely. Over her 15 year long career Jude has been to three Paralympic Games including the iconic London 2012 Games as well as being part of the most successful Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team GB has ever produced winning a silver medal at the 2018 World Championships.
Off the court, Jude is a proud advocate for many communities. She is passionate about STEM subjects with her Undergraduate and Postgraduate education in Biochemistry and Pharmacology. She aspires to work in world changing pharmacological research after her career in basketball concludes. Jude is also an incredible spokeswoman for women with Endometriosis where she openly speaks about her experiences as an athlete with the condition as well as the need for more research in this area of medicine. Jude is a proud Bisexual woman who has been an inspiring ambassador for several LGBTQ+ organisations such as a Pride House Birmingham, Athlete Ally and is also a proud Stonewall Sporting Champion.
Her aim is so destigmatise Bisexuality and raise awareness for LGBTQ+ issues and rights especially within sport. Most recently, Jude and her fiancee Lauren Rowles announced the exciting news of expecting their first child in March 2024. The couple speak openly on their experiences so far of family planning as an LGBTQ+ couple as well and preparing to be first time parents.
Jude is a fantastic speaker who shares her incredible story of personal growth and speaks across a range of topics such as creating & operating in successful teams, resilient mindsets, LGBTQ+ inclusion as well as Disability and mental health awareness.
Representation matters in every field, including science, technology, engineering, and maths. In this talk, our female athletes share how the confidence, discipline, and curiosity developed through sport can translate into success in STEM subjects. Pupils will be encouraged to challenge gender stereotypes, believe in their abilities, and explore future careers where women are still underrepresented.
Everyone deserves to feel accepted and safe being themselves. In this powerful talk, our athletes speak openly about identity, inclusion, and standing up for LGBTQ+ rights in sport and beyond. Pupils will hear how sport can be a force for belonging, and how we can all play a part in creating a school environment where everyone feels supported and respected.
Confidence is not something you are born with – it is something you build, step by step. In this talk, our athletes share how they developed their confidence over time, even in moments of doubt or pressure. Pupils will learn how to push past fear, celebrate progress, and believe in themselves, whether they are standing up in class, trying a new skill, or chasing a big goal.
Strong teams are built on trust, communication, and the ability to bounce back together after setbacks. In this talk, athletes highlight how teambuilding and resilience go hand in hand, both in sport and in everyday life. Pupils will learn strategies for working well with others, staying strong through challenges, and building a supportive team spirit at school.
Jude has managed to combine her commitment to her sport with a clear focus on reaching out and engaging with new audiences through her work on the Athlete Inspire Programme. Her honest and open approach to her storytelling continues to have a powerful impact on the charities she supports and particularly on the young people they work with.
I’ve been an appearance liaison to Jude on the Athlete Inspire Programme since 2017 and have always found her to be easy to work with. She responds quickly to any communications and always takes the time to discuss the client’s objectives with them to maximise the impact she makes with each appearance. Jude is passionate about the topics speaks, but clearly understands her strengths when presenting and delivers her message with great clarity. I would highly recommend her as a speaker.
