Posted on 24 November 2011
Paralympics gold medallist Peter Hull this week told students celebrating diversity at Merrist Wood College how he swam to record-breaking victory despite having no legs and arms ending at the elbow.
The speech by Mr Hull MBE on Tuesday was a highlight of the programme for Diversity Week in which successful people from different backgrounds spoke about their achievements and on embracing diversity in society. Other speakers included a serving officer in the Gurkhas, Captain Chinbahadur Thapa.
As well as winning three gold medals at the Barcelona Paralympics, Mr Hull has competed in multiple marathons, including the London Marathon. He was the subject of a sculpture by famous artist Marc Quinn, has featured in a Nike poster campaign and as Hampshire’s County Development Officer for Disability Sport he inspires others to challenge themselves.
He told students that he was encouraged to swim as a child because of the need to develop upper body strength. “I found I really enjoyed it and as I am very competitive I was always striving to improve my times. I think I pushed myself harder because of the barriers I faced. If you put your mind to it and with the right support anyone can do it. I was lucky to have a great support network.”
There is always more that can be done to improve opportunities and access for people with disabilities but great strides have been made in his lifetime, Mr Hull said. His message to students was to “really get involved in local sport, get active, break your own personal barriers.”
Merrist Wood Sports Lecturer Wendy Harbor, who organised Mr Hull’s visit, said: “The students were enthralled by Peter’s speech and inspired by the way he has given himself such a good quality of life.”
The College celebrates Diversity Week every year with a week of activities to recognise the vast range of cultures, ethnicities and disabilities of its students and staff.