Andy Barrow

Paralympian and professional speaker

Andy Barrow is best known as a wheelchair rugby athlete and inspirational speaker. At the age of 17, he sustained life-changing injuries in a rugby game and became paralysed from the chest down with limited use of his hands. Following his rehabilitation, Andy discovered “murderball” in 1998 and made his international debut in 2002. 

Andy, a triple Paralympian, competed at 11 major Championships and won three European gold medals. He captained the Great Britain wheelchair rugby team from 2005 to 2010. Among his proudest moments was leading the team out in Beijing 2008 and finishing his career on a high at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

After retiring from competitive sport, Andy worked as an athlete mentor for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, before pursuing his own projects as a speaker and mentor. He now speaks to audiences worldwide on themes of performance and diversity.

Closer to home, Andy trains UK Sport funded athletes to deliver maximum impact during their public appearances and is a trustee of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby, the NGB of the game that changed his life over 20 years ago.

Throughout his career, Andy has worked towards promoting a positive image of disability and particularly enjoys speaking about the strength of diversity and celebrating your points of difference.

Outside of speaking, Andy works as a consultant in the aviation and rail industries, where he uses his extensive travel experience to improve the accessibility of public transport and assisted travel services.

On hearing of his nomination, Andy said, “I’m honoured to be included in this year’s Power 100 and want to use this platform to further influence attitudes towards disability in all walks of life.”

andybarrow.co.uk