Born: 1990
Biography:
Libby Clegg, born Elizabeth Clegg on March 24, 1990, is a Scottish Paralympic sprinter and tandem track cyclist who has left an indelible mark on the field of athletics. Representing both Scotland and Great Britain in international events, she has become a beacon of inspiration and resilience for countless individuals worldwide.
Clegg’s life has been defined by her perseverance and extraordinary achievements, all while battling the challenges imposed by her deteriorating eye condition, Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy disease. This condition has left her with only slight peripheral vision in her left eye, rendering her legally blind.
Despite this obstacle, Clegg embarked on her athletic journey at the age of 9 when she joined the Macclesfield Harriers AC. Initially focusing on middle-distance running and cross country, she soon discovered her prowess in sprinting. In 2006, she made her mark on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Championships by winning a silver medal in the T12 200 metres.
The pinnacle of Clegg’s career came in 2008 when she represented Great Britain at the Summer Paralympics in Beijing. She excelled in the T12 100m and 200m events, clinching a silver medal in the 100m race. Her incredible speed and determination captured the admiration of the nation and firmly established her as a rising star in the world of Paralympic athletics.
Clegg’s success only continued to soar in the years that followed. She competed in the IPC World Championships in 2011, where she not only claimed a bronze medal in the 200m but also solidified her status as a Paralympic silver medallist and a reigning World Champion in the T12 100m and 200m sprints.
In 2012, Clegg made history at the IPC Athletics European Championships, winning both the 100m and 200m events. Later that year, she proudly represented her country once again at the London Paralympics, securing a silver medal in the T12 100m race. Clegg, alongside her guide Mikail Huggins, even shattered the European record in the process.
Her exceptional dedication and remarkable performances did not go unnoticed, as Clegg received the prestigious title of Para Athlete of the Year at the Scottish Athletics awards in 2012. This accolade further solidified her status as a trailblazer in the field of Paralympic sports.
In 2013, Clegg added more silver medals to her collection at the IPC World Championships in Lyon, achieving incredible times of 12.23 and 25.31 seconds in the 100m and 200m races, respectively. Her consistent podium finishes showcased her unwavering determination and spectacular athletic ability.
Notably, Clegg’s journey was also intertwined with her brothers’ participation in the Paralympics. Both James and Stephen Clegg have competed in swimming events, attesting to the unwavering dedication and athletic prowess that runs in their family.
Clegg’s crowning achievement came in 2016 at the Paralympic Games in Rio. Displaying her unmatched speed and tenacity, she claimed a Gold medal in the 100m T11 event, where she broke the world record. Additionally, she triumphed in the T11 200m, surpassing the previous Paralympic record and cementing her position as a double Paralympic champion. These extraordinary victories elevated Clegg’s status to that of a sporting legend.
Beyond her competitive achievements, Clegg has also made invaluable contributions to society. She has been a passionate advocate for raising awareness about visual impairments and the capabilities of disabled athletes. By defying the limitations imposed by her condition, she has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for individuals facing similar challenges.
Clegg’s unwavering determination, phenomenal accomplishments, and impact on women’s history make her an iconic figure in the realm of Paralympic sports. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.
Awards:
– Silver medal in the T12 100m at the 2008 Summer Paralympics
– Para Athlete of the Year at the 2012 Scottish Athletics awards
– Gold medal in the T11 100m and 200m at the 2016 Paralympic Games