Elizabeth Wright

Elizabeth was born in Sydney, Australia, with a birth defect called "Congenital Limb Deficiency," meaning she is missing half her right arm, half her right leg, and a missing finger on her left hand with two finger's fused together. Her doctor's believed her future was already over, but with determined parents, who decided the only option was to raise their new daughter the same way they had raised her older siblings, Elizabeth's future looked exceedingly bright.

Growing up independent and with a strong sense of self belief, Elizabeth has spent her life overcoming the odds to achieve great success in many areas of her life. At the age of 13 Elizabeth decided she wanted to swim at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. With determination and focus she started her swimming career, resulting in her achieving her Paralympic dreams, having competed at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games and the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games; all in all she walked away with three Paralympic medals (two bronze and a silver).

After retiring from swimming Elizabeth embarked on her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Newcastle, Australia, with a particular focus on the visual representation of the disabled woman's body. Finishing her degree top of her class and with 1st Class Honours, Elizabeth was offered a scholarship to do her Master of Philosophy degree at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Whilst studying Elizabeth went on exchange to Leeds University, a place she fell in love with and where she now lives.

Elizabeth is now a motivational speaker who speaks primarily in schools all over the UK, she is also "The Goal Journey Coach," helping people set their goals and plan for success. Elizabeth has published her autobiography, "Ditch the Arm, Keep the Leg" which is available at Oodle Books.