About This Episode
In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman sits down with sporting legend and disability rights advocate, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, at the iconic London Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
During their conversation, Tanni reflects on her extraordinary career as one of Britain’s most celebrated Paralympians, with 11 gold medals and 30 world records to her name. She shares the personal stories behind her successes, revealing the grit, determination, and resilience it took to reach the pinnacle of elite sport. Beyond the track, Tanni discusses her lifelong advocacy for disability rights, offering a powerful perspective on the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, DBE DL
Tanni is a multi-Paralympic medallist, including 11 gold medals, competing as a wheelchair athlete at five Paralympic Games between 1988 and 2004.
Her sporting achievements also include being the six times winner of the London Wheelchair Marathon, as well as, holding over 30 world records throughout her career.
She studied at Loughborough University, gaining an honours degree in Politics and Social Administration, and has been an independent cross-bench member of the House of Lords since 2010. Her parliamentary work has a special focus on disabled people’s rights, welfare, access to justice, youth development and sports.
Since her retirement she has taken on a range of appointments and trustee roles both in sport and beyond. These include being Chancellor of Northumbria University and Pro-Chancellor of Staffordshire University, Chair of UK Active, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Women’s Sport and Chair of Trustees for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
In addition she is also currently the chair of Sport Wales where she is accountable to the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport for Sport Wales’ performance and for the delivery of strategic priorities.
