T33 ATHLETE
OLIVIA GALLAGHER
sets targets for paris 2024
my story
From the beginning
Olivia overcame serious health challenges and beat the bullies to become a record-breaking wheelchair racer.
Born prematurely at just 24 weeks and weighing 1lb 11oz, Olivia was the only one of triplets to survive.
Struggling to breathe and suffering a bleed to her brain, she spent nearly six months in a special baby care unit and needed oxygen at home for a year.
When she was a year old, she was diagnosed with athetoid cerebral palsy in all four limbs, and registered severely sight impaired and profoundly deaf.
Growing up, she was bullied at school and became increasingly unhappy.
In 2014, her dad suggested that they go along to a taster session at the Weir Archer Academy, set up by Paralympic legend David Weir and his coach Jenny Archer.
Inspired, she started wheelchair racing and has never looked back. In 2015, she classified as a T33 wheelchair racer. After breaking age records, this year she represented England in the CPRISA World Games in Barcelona, where she won one silver and one bronze medal.
Olivia, who attends a mainstream school and who is an ambassador for Cochlear UK and ablity today , says: “At times I have found life very challenging as I have had to face lots of hurdles. Before I took part in sport I was not the person I am today.
“When I first started at the academy I was finding it very hard to make friends at school. I didn’t want to do much with my life and had very little confidence to talk about my disabilities.
“This sport has given me the opportunity to make friends who understand what I have been through. I love the fact it’s a great support network, not just for me but for my parents too”
In 2019 olivia flew up the uk and world rankings to be currently sitting at BRITISH N:1 across 100-800M, top 3 in 800m and top 4 across 100-400m worldwide.
It’s about
what you can do
not what you can’t
Team Olivia
Olivia Gallagher race performances 2015 – 2019
Distance |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
| 100m | 30.97 | 27.79 | 24.89 | 24.26 | 22.76 |
| 200m | 65.08 | 56.03 | 47.14 | 46.08 | 41.76 |
| 400m | N / A | 1.51.84 | 90.18 | 89.88 | 82.33 |
| 800m | N / A | 4.06.45 | 3.16.58 | 3.12.12 | 2.45.25 |
| 1500m | N / A | 8.40.03 | N / A | 6.09.33 | 5.22.74 |
Weir Archer
David weir CBE and Jenny archer MBE set up the Weir Archer academy in 2013 hoping to inspire the next generation of disabled athletes of all levels.
“Without the continued support from both Jenny and David including all the coaches and athletes I wouldn’t have achieved what I’ve achieved so far.”
Sports personality of the year
In 2018 Olivia was nominated and won the Pride of Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year award. You can watch the full story below.
support me
There are so many ways to support Olivia. You can come and cheer her on at one of her many races around the world, you can follow her on Social media, make a small donation or become a sponsor.
Olivia’s
Achievements
Pride of Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year, 2018
UK No 1 T33 in 100, 200, 400 & 800M
No 3 T33 in the world – 800M
No 4 T33 in the world - 100, 200 & 400M
Cerebral Palsy Most Improved Under 15 Female of the Year, 2015
Represented England at CPISRA World Games 2018 - won Silver in 400M & Bronze in 200M
Muller Anniversary Games 2019 – 100M 4th overall & 1st T33
Cochlear Implant Ambassador
Ability Today’s first Ambassador
No Pain, No Gain
Real Work.
Real Results.
My Blog
Support my dream
Unfortunately my dream involves lots of travelling, training and competing all over the world which is financially dificult for a university student studying full time. Below are various ways you can support me.
Sponsor
- Becoming a sponsor of Olivia gives you lots of perks as well as helping her achieve her dream.
- Social Media mentions
- Blog Posts
- Speaking arrangements
- Much more…
Supporter
- If you would like to support Olivia you can become a sponsor or make a donation.
- You can also follow her journey on the various social media platforms listed below.
Donator
- If you are interested in donating and wish to do so. You can do a yearly or monthly donation.
- It’s completely up to you how much you wish to donate. No matter how big or small it may be, you are helping Olivia get to the top and helping turn the dream into a reality.
*All proceeds go to my racing dream
MY GOALS
Goals are extremely important and keeping track of goals and achievements is a great way for Olivia to stay motivated and on track.
UK 100m champ
Training for
Competed
Achieved
Paris 2024
Training for
Competed
Achieved
email olivia
For sponsorship, media or any other enquiries