Clare Griffiths is one of Great Britain’s most accomplished wheelchair basketball players, with a remarkable international career that spanned nearly two decades.
Representing Team GB at five Paralympic Games from Sydney 2000 to Rio 2016, Clare was a central figure in the growth and success of British wheelchair basketball on the world stage.
Clare’s sporting journey began in 1997 after a life-changing horse riding accident left her paralysed from the waist down. During rehabilitation at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement, she was introduced to wheelchair basketball — and within just a year, she earned her first cap for Great Britain at the World Championships in Sydney.
From that moment on, Clare’s impact in the sport only grew. She became a consistent and vital part of the GB Women’s team, captaining the side at the London 2012 Paralympics and helping the team achieve a career-best 4th place finish at the Rio 2016 Games, reaching their first-ever major championship medal match.
Clare’s achievements include:
Five-time Paralympian (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016)
Team Captain at the London 2012 Paralympic Games
Gold medallist at the 2011 Paralympic World Cup
Seven-time European bronze medallist
All-Star 5 award winner at the 2007 and 2011 European Championships
Beyond her sporting accolades, Clare holds a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science from Loughborough University. Today, she shares the powerful lessons from her life and elite sporting career to inspire others. She speaks with authenticity and authority on topics such as mental toughness, resilience, leading through change and achieving high performance in teams.
Clare now works with many of the world’s largest companies and brands, delivering impactful talks and workshops at board level and across senior leadership teams. Her unique perspective as both an elite athlete and a motivational speaker enables her to connect deeply with audiences, making her an inspiring figure for young people and professionals alike.
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.
Reaching the top in sport takes more than talent. It requires leadership and performing at your very best when it matters most. In this talk, our athletes share how they prepare to deliver under pressure, lead by example, and bring out the best in themselves and those around them. Pupils will learn how strong leadership, focus, and self-belief can help them achieve their own peak performance in school, sport, and life.
What makes a team truly successful? Our athletes reveal the secrets behind high performing teams, whether it is a sports squad, a relay team, or a support network behind the scenes. They share how trust, clear roles, good communication, and a shared goal lead to outstanding results. Pupils will learn how these lessons apply not just in sport, but in school groups, projects, and friendships too.
Inclusion and diversity are essential for creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone. In this talk, our athletes share their experiences of embracing differences, breaking down barriers, and building inclusive teams. Pupils will be inspired to celebrate diversity, foster understanding, and stand up for others, both in sport and in all areas of 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.
