At school and University, Sam didn’t really see sport as something serious; it was a way to relax from his studies, as well as stay fit and healthy.
Things changed in Dec 2011 when he was asked by an American football coach if he’d thought about sprinting, a sport he deliberately avoided because of his cerebral palsy.
Despite anxieties about going into a new sport, Sam was classified as a T35 in March 2012 and ran the first races of his career in April 2012.
By June 2012, he was ranked in the world’s top 8, which led to his selection for Paralympics GB Athletics team for London 2012.
After his senior debut for his country, Sam has since switched disciplines to shot put and has continued to represent Great Britain in 2014 and 2015, his most recent competition being the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
After the incredible impact of London 2012 Paralympic Games on young people, especially those with a disability, Sam felt that he couldn’t shy away from the responsibility he had to inspire further.
Sam is also an athlete mentor with the YST and he’s part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport programme that focuses on improving academic performance in schools through sport.
Sam enjoys the opportunities to share his experiences about his rapid rise to Paralympic sprinting, whilst trying to finish his University degree to help stress the importance of being active and having an education to young people.
Thank you so much. Sam himself was lovely and extremely engaging with the students. His PowerPoint and his messages were excellent, he managed to tie his talk neatly in to working hard at school which was just perfect!!! I couldn’t thank him enough. Thank you so much for organising for us and we would happily use you guys again in the future.
Sporting Champions introduces world class Inspirational Athletes for the Schools and the education sector.
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.
