Swimmer’s school talk (From Wharfedale Observer)

Swimmer’s school talk

7:40am Sunday 3rd June 2012 in Local news

A medal-winning paralympic swimmer inspired students at Guiseley School when she gave a motivational talk.

Australian Liz Wright (above, with students), who now lives in Leeds, spoke of her own determination to swim for her country.

Liz, who is an Ambassador for the 2012 Olympics, was born with a congenital limb deficiency, which means that one of her arms finishes at her elbow, and one of her legs ends close to her knee.

But her will to succeed saw her winning bronze in Atlanta when she was just 16. She then went on to win bronze and silver medals in Sydney in 2000.

Liz, who was at Guiseley School to speak to Year 11 students and present them with their National Recognition Awards, said: “Even when the odds are against you, you can still come out a winner – it is just a matter of not giving in.”

She stressed: “It is not about being the best against other people – it is about being the best you can be.”

Liz, who says she is passionate about talking about disability and questioning the current ideologies surrounding disability, told the students: “I cease to have a disability in water.”

After the event, Liz who works as a motivational speaker, said: “They were gorgeous kids and they were so attentive, and listened to everything.”