Andy Barrow is a triple Paralympian, three-time European gold medallist, and former captain of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby team, whose story is one of extraordinary determination, leadership and lasting impact.
In 1997, while playing rugby for his local club, Andy sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralysed from the chest down, with limited use of his hands. He was just 17 years old. But Andy’s life changed again the following year when he discovered wheelchair rugby, a high-impact sport often referred to as Murderball. He joined London Wheelchair Rugby and never looked back.
By 1999, Andy was training with the GB squad and, after narrowly missing out on the Sydney Paralympics, he committed himself to becoming a full-time athlete. That dedication paid off. Andy went on to:
Represent Great Britain at three Paralympic Games
Compete in three World Championships
Win three consecutive European gold medals
Captain the national team from 2005 to 2010, including leading the squad out at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics
Play in the American league with San Diego
Andy retired from elite sport after the London 2012 Paralympics, closing his career at the most iconic sporting event in British history. But his legacy didn’t end on the court.
Since retiring, Andy has become a passionate motivational speaker and mentor, working with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Inspirational Speakers, and delivering life-changing experiences through his own mentoring programmes. His 3Cs Challenge – built around confidence, communication and commitment – has empowered thousands of young people across the UK and internationally.
In 2018, Andy became a Laureus Ambassador, further extending his global reach. Most recently, he launched “21 Tips from a Guy on a Roll”, a video project offering practical insights for young people navigating challenge and change.
Andy Barrow is more than an athlete – he is a storyteller, role model and advocate for resilience. Through his honest and uplifting talks, he inspires individuals to overcome obstacles, lead with purpose and unlock their full potential.
Behind every athlete’s success is the importance of looking after their mind as well as their body. In this honest and supportive talk, our athletes open up about how they manage pressure, deal with setbacks, and stay mentally healthy. Pupils will hear positive, practical advice on looking after their own wellbeing, coping with stress, and the importance of speaking up and supporting each other.
Reaching the top in sport takes more than talent – it requires leadership and performing at your very best when it matters most. In this talk, our athletes share how they prepare to deliver under pressure, lead by example, and bring out the best in themselves and those around them. Pupils will learn how strong leadership, focus, and self-belief can help them achieve their own peak performance in school, sport, and life.
The Paralympic Games are a celebration of determination, talent, and breaking down barriers. In this talk, our Paralympians and para-athletes share their incredible journeys, highlighting the power of resilience, inclusion, and the human spirit. Pupils will hear how these athletes have overcome challenges, changed perceptions, and achieved greatness on the world stage, inspiring everyone to believe in what’s possible.
Having a growth mindset means believing you can improve through effort, learning, and perseverance. In this talk, our athletes explain how this way of thinking has helped them deal with setbacks, learn from mistakes, and keep improving, no matter the odds. Pupils will be encouraged to embrace challenges, stay positive, and understand that hard work and resilience lead to progress in sport and in life.
What does it take to bounce back from disappointment? Our athletes open up about tough moments in their careers, from injuries to defeats, and how resilience helped them keep going. Pupils will learn valuable lessons about never giving up, adapting to change, and staying strong when times get tough.
Sport, like life, is full of unexpected twists and turns. In this talk, our athletes reflect on times they’ve faced change, setbacks, or uncertain futures, from injuries to last-minute selections and global events like the pandemic. Pupils will hear honest, uplifting advice about how to stay calm, positive, and adaptable when life doesn’t go to plan.
What makes a team truly successful? Our athletes reveal the secrets behind high-performing teams, whether it’s a sports squad, a relay team, or a support network behind the scenes. They’ll share how trust, clear roles, good communication, and a shared goal lead to outstanding results. Pupils will learn how these lessons apply not just in sport, but in school groups, projects, and friendships too.
Andy was a brilliant addition to our training, and his speech was at an appropriate level for our Young Leaders. He was relaxed and flexible to last minute changes, and very approachable. He added huge value to what otherwise could have been a rather tedious, information-filled session.
Andy really enhanced our Change4Life Festival for the young people who took part by reinforcing our messages that sport and physical activity can be enjoyed by everyone and the importance of having a healthy lifestyle.
Inspirational Athletes connects schools & communities with elite athletes who inspire, motivate and engage young people through talks, workshops and sports sessions.
Address:
Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 1RD
Phone:
020 7993 2724
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
