Inspirational Paralympic speaker Karen Darke definitely knows a thing or two about overcoming challenges. She was an eager runner, climber and all-round outdoor sportsperson but since she fell off a cliff she has been paralysed from the chest down. Not only an expert in overcoming challenges, but Darke is also a leading speaker in overcoming adversity, something she has faced for the majority of her life.
Describing her life now as “extraordinary”, Karen is a member of the Great Britain Olympic Para-Cycling Team and in between training for the Paralympics and other sporting events she makes sure that she goes on as many adventures as possible – adventures that most able-bodied athletes would find daunting and tough.
At the London 2012 Paralympic games, Karen won a silver medal in the H1-2 individual road time trial event. Karen didn’t settle for second though and four years later she returned to the Games to win a gold medal in Rio. A wonderful achievement that will stay with her for a lifetime, Karen often discusses her sporting success at events.
When presenting to audiences, the Paralympic speaker analyses what it is that makes someone come back from a traumatic experience to test themselves to the limit. The author of two books – ‘If You Fall…’ and ‘Boundless’, Karen enjoys sharing her understanding on how to cope with difficult situations as she hopes to make a change on people’s lives. Her attitude to life is nothing short of inspirational, she has dealt with some of the worst setbacks possible but continues to impact change across the world.
Karen has taken her motivational message to schools, businesses, public sector organisations and many other bodies, including Shell, BP, BAE Systems, Unilever, Microsoft, the DVLA and the Association of Colleges.
2016 - Gold in the Road Time Trial H1-3 at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games
2012 - Silver in the Road Time Trial H1-2 at the 2012 London Paralympic Games
2012 - Gold at the ITU Triathlon World Championships
"I wanted to send you a personal note of thanks on behalf of KPMG for the fabulous session you delivered to us yesterday at the British Museum. The feedback was universally outstanding. I personally had a number of takeaways that I will be building into my life"
"- KPMG
"I just wanted to offer my thanks for delivering what was an excellent speech and one which left myself (and, judging by the comments afterwards, others) feeling in awe, motivated and inspired."
"- Unilever
"Karen is a bright and dynamic presenter, with a practical can-do attitude and level-headedness. ; An excellent, engaging speaker with a compelling story and amazingly positive attitude."
"- Shell
"Karen was without a doubt, the highlight of the day. Microsoft values taking accountability, integrity and respect, and we want to encourage our people to hold a growth mindset. Karen delivered an inspiring message in harmony with those company values and culture. Attendee’s feedback listed her inspirational message, humility, amazing, moving, incredible talk, and also about how well her advice translates to work and home life"
"- Microsoft Customer Service Division
"Karen was wonderful. She launched our event in a spot-on way and fulfilled her brief to the letter. She left the whole room smiling. She really is inspirational and we would certainly recommend her to other groups and organisations facing major change as an ambassador for positive thinking!!!!"
"- BAE Systems
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