ParalympicsGB Chief Condemns Tanni Grey-Thompson's Train Incident as 'Disgraceful'
Prince Jean
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
ParalympicsGB Chief Denounces Lack of Accessibility After Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson’s Train Incident, Calls for Social Change. Photos:gettyimages
The chef de mission of ParalympicsGB, Penny Briscoe, has condemned the recent ordeal faced by Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson at London’s Kings Cross station as a “disgrace.” Grey-Thompson, a Paralympic legend with 11 gold medals, was forced to drag herself off a train due to the absence of assistance for wheelchair users. Briscoe emphasized that this situation reflects the daily struggles faced by disabled individuals across the UK, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
Speaking in Paris ahead of the Paralympic Games’ opening ceremony, Briscoe reaffirmed ParalympicsGB’s commitment to using its platform to advocate for social justice and greater inclusivity. “It’s the lived experience of disabled people on a daily basis, but it often goes unreported,” she said.
“As ParalympicsGB, we aim to inspire a better world for disabled people through sport, advocating for change not only in athletics but also in education, society, and daily life.”
Briscoe warned that the lack of accessibility can severely impact even elite athletes’ ability to perform. Referencing Grey-Thompson’s experience, she noted,
“That could have been an athlete heading to a crucial training session, but they could have missed it because the transport system failed them.”
She also raised concerns about accessibility in Paris, revealing that ParalympicsGB had to meticulously select hotels with adequate facilities for disabled athletes.
“Accessible bathrooms remain a significant issue. It’s not just about choosing a nice hotel—it’s about ensuring that there are enough accessible rooms for our athletes.”
Dave Clarke, the CEO of ParalympicsGB, is scheduled to meet with the UK Prime Minister and Keir Starmer during the Games to discuss these challenges and push for broader social justice initiatives. Clarke, who has prioritized social justice since taking the role last year, will showcase ParalympicsGB’s facilities in Paris after his one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister.
As ParalympicsGB prepares for another successful Games following their second-place finish in the Tokyo medal table, Dr. Kate Baker, Director of Performance at UK Sport, emphasized that success should not solely be measured by medals.
“Achieving their potential is the ultimate goal for our athletes,”
Baker said.
“We have 215 athletes, including 75 debutants and 95 returning medalists. This group knows how to perform on the global stage.”
However, Baker cautioned that external factors may affect medal outcomes, stating,
“While it would be gratifying to surpass the US, Australia, and Brazil, any deviations in performance won’t diminish the hard work and talent within our team.”
