I wouldn't have had a sporting career if it hadn't been for the volunteers who agreed to coach me, as a teenager, growing up in south Wales, at a time when others were telling me that wheelchair racing wasn't really athletics.
Interpretation
The support from volunteers played a crucial role in my athletic journey despite societal doubts.
This quote reflects on the importance of mentorship and volunteerism in shaping one’s path, particularly in the face of adversity. Tanni Grey-Thompson emphasizes that without the encouragement and coaching from volunteers during her formative years, she might not have pursued a career in sports, highlighting the vital role that guidance and belief from others can play in overcoming societal biases and personal challenges.
In practice
In a speech at a sports award ceremony, one might use this quote to acknowledge the important role of coaches and mentors.
Perhaps we need to redefine our idea of role models; they're not always elite athletes whose success might seem too distant or unachievable. Sometimes it's our friend who just smashed her first 10k, or our Zumba teacher who is enthusiastic, encouraging and real.
As a disabled person I have to think and plan far more than anyone else. If I want to catch a bus I have to consider whether the ramp works, whether there will be someone in the one space who doesn't want to move. It can be a constant worry.
Disability sport came about largely because of exclusion, because mainstream sport didn't want disabled people to be part of it.
You want to be a hero? Learn to create certainty in the face of fear.
I don't believe in taking foolish chances, but nothing can be accomplished if we don't take any chances at all.
To be fully human is...to know that it's possible to face the unimaginable and somehow put one foot in front of the other.
Not responding is a response--we are equally responsible for what we don't do. In the case of animal slaughter, to throw your hands in the air is to wrap your fingers around a knife handle.
Speak out. You've got to speak out against the madness
I was always driven by the idea that if people ever found out about who I was then the stature I created for myself within rugby would have to be as relevant as the fact I was gay. It was always the driving factor to be the strongest, the fastest, the most skilful.
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