In spite of being diagnosed with a severe visual impairment as a baby and suffering from bullying and a lack of support at school, Naomi has triumphed over adversity and demonstrated what can be achieved through resilience and a positive mindset.
At just eight weeks old, Naomi was diagnosed with an eye disease and other eye conditions, which left her unable to see colour and having a high sensitivity to light. While at school, this condition left her struggling with low self-confidence due to bullying and a lack of assistance and support.
After leaving school, Naomi, who is registered blind, decided that she would not let her visual impairment define her, a decision that has been the driving force behind her accomplishments.
In 2004, while in university, Naomi was offered the chance to join Great Britain’s ParaRowing team and she leapt at the chance. Within four months, she became a World Champion in Great Britain’s mixed, coxed four.
Making her debut in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics with a bronze medal win, Naomi then went on to achieve a gold medal in the 2012 London Paralympics, an amazing achievement on home waters. From this, she went on to receive an MBE alongside her crewmates for her achievements.
In 2016, Naomi became a world record holder, becoming the first and fastest woman to row the navigable river Thames in one go. She achieved this amazing feat of rowing 165 miles in 47 hours 59 minutes and 54 seconds.
Now retired from being a full-time athlete Naomi, who is Chair of the Henley Woman’s Regatta, now uses her experiences and achievements to help others. Her inspiring talks bring the audience along with her on her journey from the playground to the podium. She motivates listeners to strengthen their foundations, increase their resilience and achieve their goals.
In her talks and content, Naomi shares what she has learned from her experiences to help others, addressing themes such as:
- embracing diversity and inclusion – with a focus on disability
- how to develop resilience and self-confidence
- making goals manageable
- enhancing self-awareness to bring about behavioural change
