Claire Lomas - Speaker

Claire Lomas is an English Paralympic athlete and motivational speaker known for her achievements in wheelchair racing. Born on January 15, 1986, she began competing at 17, inspired by Tanni Grey-Thompson's success at the Sydney Olympics. In 2012, she finished second in the London Marathon, just two years after starting competitive racing. The following year, she became the first woman to complete the marathon in a powered chair. In 2014, she aimed to break the world record for the fastest time to push a manual wheelchair across the UK, covering over 200 miles in 14 days, which earned her a place in the Guinness World Records. The next year, she completed the London Marathon in a record time of 24 hours, 29 minutes, and 17 seconds. Lomas has raised £1 million for Spinal Research through her marathon challenge and has collaborated with the NHS to promote health and fitness among young people. Despite her achievements, she remains modest, stating, "I don't think I'm superhuman. I've got a disability but it doesn't define me." Her journey inspires many, demonstrating that determination and resilience can overcome significant challenges.