Born: 1986 (Bristol, England)
Biography:
Josie Rachel Pearson MBE, born on January 3, 1986, is a Paralympian wheelchair rugby player and athlete from England. She made history by representing Great Britain in the 2008 Summer Paralympics as the first woman to compete in wheelchair rugby for her country at the Paralympics. Although initially a sprint athlete, Pearson switched to throwing events and qualified for the 2012 Summer Paralympics in both discus and club throw in the F51 class. She went on to achieve a remarkable feat, winning the gold medal in discus and setting a world record distance. Pearson’s inspiring journey is marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication.
Born in Bristol in 1986 to Philip and Sue, Josie Pearson grew up in the village of Brilley, Herefordshire. She later moved to Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh border, where her mother ran a fashion and lifestyle shop. Pearson’s passion for sports made her actively participate in show jumping. However, tragedy struck in May 2003 when Pearson was involved in a head-on car collision near Goytre in Wales, resulting in the death of her boyfriend and life-altering injuries for herself. She suffered two broken bones in her neck and permanent spinal damage, which left her legs paralyzed but retained some use of her arms.
Despite the life-altering accident, Pearson remained committed to her sporting endeavors. Though she initially intended to continue riding, her injuries made it challenging. Nevertheless, she did not let adversity stop her, and she continued to explore her athletic abilities. In 2005, she participated in a dressage exhibition, and she also started training as a wheelchair racer in 100, 200, and 400-meter events.
While studying neuroscience at Cardiff University, Pearson discovered wheelchair rugby. She reached out to the local club, Cardiff Pirates, and was accepted into the team. Determined to make the Paralympic squad, a goal she had cherished since watching the Athens Games, she made the bold decision to leave university after a year and concentrate on her training.
Pearson’s talent and dedication paid off when she was selected to represent Great Britain at the 2008 Summer Paralympics. Although her team narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing just outside the medal placements after losing to Canada in the bronze medal decider, Pearson’s debut on the Paralympic stage was significant. She had paved the way for future female wheelchair rugby players.
In 2011, at the IPC Athletics World Championships in New Zealand, Pearson faced some setbacks. She finished fifth in both the 100-meter and 800-meter events and was disqualified from both the 200-meter and 400-meter races. Frustrated with her performance, Pearson decided to transition from wheelchair racing to throwing events. She took up discus and the club throw, and her dedication began to yield remarkable results.
In 2012, Pearson achieved personal bests, throwing 12.81 meters in the club throw and setting a world record of 6.66 meters in the F51 discus. These outstanding performances earned her qualification for the 2012 Summer Paralympics in both events. On September 7, 2012, Pearson etched her name in Paralympic history by winning the gold medal at the Paralympic Games and breaking the F51 discus world record in the process.
Josie Pearson’s journey is an embodiment of resilience and determination. Despite facing immense challenges and setbacks, she never let go of her dreams and continued to pursue her passion for sports. Her groundbreaking participation in wheelchair rugby and subsequent success in throwing events has undoubtedly inspired many. Josie Pearson’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles in pursuing one’s goals.
Awards:
– MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire)