Liz Johnson

Liz Johnson is a former Team GB Paralympic gold medallist with a charismatic personality and a truly inspiring story to boot. Liz shares her personal journey in overcoming the challenges posed by cerebral palsy and explains how the obstacles' life throws at us can help us achieve success, which includes losing her mother days before she went to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Since being introduced to swimming at the age of 3, following advice that it would help with her cerebral palsy, Liz has been crowned Paralympic Champion, laid the final tile in the London 2012 aquatic centre, been bestowed the honour of reading the athlete’s oath at the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and claimed another Paralympic medal in her home Games.

At just 14, Liz was already competing at a national level, before making the British team shortly after. In 2006, she claimed two Gold Medals at the IPC World Championships, building on her successes at the Athens Paralympics where she won a Silver Medal. Creating a name for herself as an elite swimmer, a few years later Liz fulfilled a lifetime ambition by winning Gold at the 2008 Paralympics, dedicating it to her mother who sadly passed away during the Games. Fast-forward 4 years and a plethora of World Championship medals, Liz added to her Paralympic medal collection at London 2012 as she set a new Paralympic record in the process.

In addition to her swimming ambitions, Liz graduated as an accountant in 2008, with a degree in business management and finance. She was also an ambassador for London 2012 partner EDF. Away from the pool, Liz has featured regularly on That Paralympic Show and in ad campaigns for BT.

Since she retired from the swimming team, Liz became the co-founder of The Ability People, an employment agency staffed exclusively by people with impairments. 

Alongside commentary positions in the media and charity work, Liz is a regular speaker at corporate events. She shares her personal journey in overcoming the challenges posed by cerebral palsy and explains how the obstacles' life throws at us can help us achieve success.

Liz was recently recognised by Clare Balding, Steph McGovern and Adam Hills as someone who’s contribution to their broadcasts added significant insight, warmth and impact. She has also appeared on BBC Breakfast, The Last Leg and provided her expert commentary across the duration of the Paralympic Games. 

Liz speaks as an Olympic gold medallist and uniquely as an entrepreneur. Someone who’s charisma shines through even whilst she is demystifying disability and changing perceptions.