PosAbility magazine has announced their “Power 100” top persons from Britain with a Disability or Impairment, with Britain’s most decorated ever Paralympian taking the top spot.
History Maker
Dame Sarah Storey became Britain’s most decorated Paralympian in September after receiving her 14th gold medal across 2 sports. After competing in Barcelona as a swimmer aged only 14 years old she won an impressive 2 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze. Storey competed in swimming for the next three Paralympic games, before switching to cycling in 2005.
With a total of 25 Paralympic medals, 14 of which being gold, Storey has also competed against able bodied athletes and is currently aiming to make the Tokyo 2020 Olympic team.
Storey was surprised but honoured to receive the award, she commented: “I am very committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of their situation, has the opportunity to live an active and healthy lifestyle.”
I am very committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of their situation, has the opportunity to live an active and healthy lifestyle
When asked what advice she would give to other disabled people wanting to get into sport, she answered: “Give it a try! Every sport can be adapted in some way and it is not necessary to follow the rules of Olympic or Paralympic sport. If you can only swim with the aid of a floatation device then that’s fine. There are bikes with 3 and 4 wheels, recumbent hand bikes and devices can be accessed to help make sport easier.”
Others in the Top 10
The top 10 of the “Power 100” list including people from various careers and walks of life. The number 7 place is taken by Henry Fraser, an artist and motivational speaker from Hertfordshire.
Henry, a keen rugby player was involved in an accident when on holiday with friends in 2009 aged 17, that left him paralysed from the neck down. He compiles his art using his mouth and has many supporters and fans such as ex footballer Thierry Henry and Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling. Henry tweeted that he was “absolutely honoured” to be named number 7 on the list after hearing the news.
Henry also participates in motivational speaking, and has held talks for various groups, including sports teams such as Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
Top 10
The top 10 on the list was made up as follows:
- Dame Sarah Storey – Britain’s most decorated female Paralympian
- Alex Brooker – TV presenter, Journalist
- Martyn Sibley – Blogger, TV presenter and social entrepreneur
- Liz Sayce OBE – CEO Disability Rights UK
- Dame Evelyn Glennie – Musician
- Ade Adepitan – TV presenter, Paralympian
- Henry Fraser – Artist and motivational speaker
- Andrew Marr – TV presenter, Journalist
- Frank Gardner – Security Correspondent, BBC News
- Baroness Celia Thomas of Winchester MBE – Vice Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy.
