Born: 1997 (Bryn-y-baal, Mold, north Wales)
Biography:
Sabrina Fortune, born on 25 May 1997, is a British Paralympic track and field athlete from Wales who competes in category F20 throwing events. Despite facing numerous challenges, Sabrina has become a prominent figure in the world of Paralympic sports, achieving remarkable success and inspiring others with her determination and resilience.
Hailing from Bryn-y-baal, Mold in north Wales, Sabrina has speech dyspraxia, a condition that presents difficulties in communication. In addition, she has a mild intellectual impairment, further adding to the obstacles she has had to overcome. Despite these challenges, Sabrina has never let her disabilities define her and has consistently pushed herself to reach new heights.
After completing her education, Sabrina pursued a course in hospitality management at Coleg Cambria in Wrexham. However, it was her passion for athletics that truly ignited her spirit. Inspired by her brother’s own athletic journey, she joined a club at the age of eleven in 2008 and began participating in local meets.
In 2014, Sabrina’s talent and dedication led her to São Paulo, where she competed in the Brazilian Paralympic School Games. It was here that she clinched the gold medal in the F20 shot put, marking her first taste of international success. Determined to prove herself on a larger stage, Sabrina also competed in her first IPC Grand Prix that same year in Grosseto, Italy, further honing her skills.
The following year, Sabrina’s exceptional performances earned her a spot on the Great Britain team for the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha. Focusing on the shot put event, she showcased her skills and recorded an impressive throw of 12.14 meters, narrowly missing out on a medal but establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.
As she continued to strive for greatness, Sabrina returned to Grosseto in 2016 for the 2016 IPC Athletics European Championships. Once again, she finished in fourth place in the shot put event, exhibiting her consistent drive and determination.
Fortune’s impressive results caught the attention of Team GB, leading to her selection for the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Competing in the shot put, Sabrina saved her best for the final, throwing a personal best of 12.94 meters. This exceptional performance not only earned her a bronze medal but also made her the first Welsh athlete of the Games to secure a podium finish. It was a momentous achievement and a testament to Sabrina’s unwavering commitment to her craft.
Over the years, Sabrina’s dedication and hard work paid off, resulting in several significant victories. In the 2018 World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin, she claimed the gold medal in the shot put F20 category, achieving a championship-record throw of 13.30 meters. Demonstrating her continued growth and dominance in the sport, she repeated this success at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, once again securing the gold medal in shot put F20 with an astonishing championship-record throw of 13.91 meters.
Sabrina’s remarkable journey and accomplishments have solidified her status as a role model for aspiring athletes with disabilities. Her unwavering determination, coupled with her ability to overcome obstacles, has inspired countless individuals and helped break down barriers in the world of Paralympic sports.
In June 2021, Sabrina’s exceptional talent was recognized once again when she was selected as one of the first twelve athletes to represent the UK at the postponed 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. Despite facing fierce competition, she showcased her skills and incredible resilience, ultimately securing a fifth-place finish in the 2020 Paralympic F20 Shot Put with an impressive distance of 13.56 meters.
Sabrina Fortune’s incredible journey from a small town in Wales to becoming a Paralympic medalist is a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. Her achievements not only inspire other athletes but also highlight the importance of inclusivity and equal representation in the world of sports. Sabrina’s relentless pursuit of excellence has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on women’s history and continues to inspire generations to come.
Awards:
– Bronze Medal, 2016 Summer Paralympics in the shot put
– Gold Medal, 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in shot put
– Gold Medal, 2018 World Para Athletics European Championships in shot put
– Gold Medal, 2019 World Para Athletics Championships in shot put