Olivia Gallagher
Athlete, student, youth support worker, ambassador
Judges Choice
Born at 24 weeks weighing only 1lb 11oz and the surviving triplet, I have cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs, profound hearing impairment and severe sight impairment.
I am currently studying Sports Psychology at St Mary’s University. In 2014, I began wheelchair racing with the Weir Archer Academy, after being inspired at London 2012 Olympics. I went onto being classified as a T33 category for athletes mainly with CP and coordination and balance affecting all four limbs. My dedication and commitment enabled me to be the UK number one and world number four in 2019. I now race in the UK and internationally. I represented England in the CP World Games in Barcelona 2018 where I won both silver and bronze medals. I also raced at the Muller Anniversary Games in the London Stadium in 2019 where I achieved my fastest ever 100m. I won Young Sportsperson of the Year award at the Mirror Pride of Sport in November 2018
I had a major operation January 2019 when I was fitted with a bilateral cochlear implant which dramatically changed my ability to hear different sounds as well as help my sport, education and building friendships. Outside of university and sport, I do some part time youth support at the White Lodge Centre, where I went myself in my early years. I am an ambassador for The Weir Archer Academy and Ability Today and have done public speaking at local and national events on inclusion, diversity and promoting equality in female disability sport.
Don’t see disability as a barrier, it’s about what you can do not what you can’t and no mountain is ever too high with determination you can reach the top.’’