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Sophie Carrigill is a Paralympian and Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball player, known not only for her impressive sporting achievements but also for her passion for inclusion and positive change.
Following a life changing car accident in 2010 that left her with a spinal cord injury, Sophie discovered wheelchair basketball during her rehabilitation. What began as a way to rebuild confidence and independence quickly evolved into an international sporting career.
Sophie has represented Team GB for over eight years, competing at four Senior European Championships, two Senior World Championships and the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. As team captain, she led Great Britain to its best ever Paralympic result, reaching the semi finals, and played a key role in securing both World and European silver medals.
Beyond her achievements on the court, Sophie is a passionate advocate for resilience, inclusion and equality. She brings energy, honesty and warmth to every stage, connecting with audiences across corporate, education and public sectors.
Sophie’s story is one of perspective, determination and growth. She inspires individuals and teams to overcome setbacks, challenge assumptions and unlock their potential, showing that with purpose, positivity and perseverance, even the toughest challenges can become a platform for something extraordinary.
Turning Life’s Setbacks into Sporting Success
In this powerful and personal keynote, Sophie shares how a life-changing accident led her on an unexpected path to representing Great Britain in wheelchair basketball. With warmth and authenticity, she explores what it takes to overcome adversity, find purpose in the face of challenge and build a winning mindset. Perfect for audiences looking to build resilience and inspire belief in what’s possible.
Drawing on her experience captaining the GB Women’s team to its best-ever Paralympic finish, Sophie reveals what true leadership looks like – on and off the court. This keynote focuses on the power of teamwork, accountability and courage when breaking new ground. It’s ideal for organisations wanting to foster inclusive, purpose-driven leadership that brings out the best in people.
Sophie’s journey is a celebration of what can happen when people are given the opportunity to thrive. In this thought-provoking talk, she shares her experiences as a disabled athlete, and why diversity and inclusion are essential – not optional. With stories from sport and life, she encourages organisations to think differently, act boldly and create spaces where everyone can succeed.
After interviewing Sophie for a local news item about Wheelchair basketball she immediately struck me as an articulate and intelligent person. She showed a real interest in the work I do as a video journalist and was keen to develop her knowledge of the industry. As a result, Sophie spent some time with me learning the different aspects of my job, including filming, script writing, and editing. She was very enthusiastic and showed a real aptitude for learning. Sophie’s already proved through her sporting achievements that her willingness to succeed knows no boundaries and I’m sure that her infectious personality and determination will ensure she thrives in whatever she pursues.
I have worked with Sophie for many years at the University of Worcester. Sophie has presented as both a scholar and an athlete to a diverse range of audiences that have included government ministers, business leaders, international academics, local school children, athletes and at after dinner events. Sophie has never failed to truly engage her audience and always speaks with authority and compassion; the feedback has always been outstanding.
