At the age of nine, Claire competed in her first sporting event – a swimming gala in Dubai where her parents lived.
One of the competitors noticed that she only had one arm and made the mistake of asking how she could swim. Actions speak louder than words – she won the race and left this able-bodied swimmer dumbfounded.
Two years later she returned to the UK and joined the Wyre Forest Swimming Club. After years of early mornings and late nights Claire became the Junior British Champion in her category (S9).
This early success was only a taste of the future, as in 2004 Claire qualified for the Athens Paralympics. Despite having to juggle her intense training programme ahead of the Games with the demands of her GCSE’s, Claire claimed bronze medals in both the 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley. This historic achievement came at the age of just 16, making her the youngest member of the British Paralympics swimming team.
In the same year, Claire won the BBC Midlands Young Disabled Sports Person of the Year award after winning a gold medal at the British Championships.
She also picked up the ITV Sporting Midlander of the Year, NPower Young Female Achiever and WASP Disability Person of the Year awards. As a result of her two bronze medals Claire was put on the World Class Performance programme in 2005. Determined to cement her position as one of the leading lights of GB Paralympic swimming, she continued to progress over the following four years and build on her success in Athens.
What does it take to bounce back from disappointment? Our athletes open up about tough moments in their careers, from injuries to defeats, and how resilience helped them keep going. Pupils will learn valuable lessons about never giving up, adapting to change, and staying strong when times get tough.
Sport teaches athletes how to adjust quickly when things do not go to plan, whether it is a last-minute change, an unexpected opponent, or a sudden challenge. In this talk, our athletes share how they have learned to stay calm, think on their feet, and adapt to whatever comes their way. Pupils will be encouraged to develop these skills in school and everyday life, helping them stay positive and focused in the face of change.
Setting goals is a powerful way to stay motivated and track progress, whether in sport, school, or personal life. In this talk, our athletes explain how they set clear, achievable goals to help them stay focused, improve their performance, and overcome obstacles. Pupils will learn how to set their own goals, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate their achievements along the way.
Every athlete faces tough times, whether it’s injury, defeat, or personal challenges. In this talk, our athletes open up about the adversity they have experienced and how they found the strength to bounce back. Pupils will learn about the importance of resilience, determination, and staying positive in difficult situations. These are valuable lessons they can use in school, sport, and life.
Representation matters, and seeing people like yourself achieving great things can be life-changing. In this talk, our athletes speak openly about what it means to represent disabled athletes at the highest level, and why visibility and positive role models are so important. Pupils will learn about breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and the importance of celebrating all abilities in sport, school, and life.
Inspirational Athletes connects schools & communities with elite athletes who inspire, motivate and engage young people through talks, workshops and sports sessions.
Address:
Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 1RD
Phone:
020 7993 2724
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
