Throughout my career representing ParalympicsGB at four Paralympic Games, I've had the privilege of achieving success in the world of professional sports, including securing a Paralympic medal in Para Powerlifting. However, as with all athletes, there comes a pivotal moment when transitioning from the sports arena to the corporate world becomes inevitable. This shift is often considered one of the most daunting career transitions. Yet, armed with the unique skills, mindset, and experiences gained from my athletic journey, I embarked on a new challenge: entrepreneurship.

The catalyst for my leap into entrepreneurship stemmed from a profound realisation: the glaring lack of accessibility for disabled individuals within the fitness industry. Despite the strides made in promoting inclusivity, disabled individuals continue to face barriers to independent exercise and participation in fitness activities. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted this disparity, with fitness apps emerging as a lifeline for many during lockdown. However, none of these platforms catered specifically to the needs of the disabled community, comprising 20% of the global population.

Driven by a passion for inclusivity and empowerment, in 2021, I co-founded and launched Accessercise – the world's first comprehensive fitness app tailored specifically for the disabled community. Our mission? To not only challenge the status quo within the fitness industry but also to empower, support, and educate disabled individuals to embrace fitness on their own terms, leveraging their expertise in navigating their disabilities. Accessercise aspires to set a new standard for accessibility in fitness apps, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their fitness goals.

So, what sets Accessercise apart? The app boasts three key features designed to enhance accessibility:

1. A unique impairment-specific exercise video library, allowing users to tailor their workouts to their specific needs by selecting exercises demonstrated by individuals with similar impairments.

2. A Social Hub, enabling users to share their fitness journeys, provide mutual support, and foster a sense of community.

3. An Explore section, empowering users to assess the accessibility of local gyms and sporting facilities and make informed decisions about their fitness destinations.

4. While Accessercise currently caters to six impairments, our ambition is to expand our reach and inclusivity continually.

Transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur has revealed numerous parallels between the two worlds. From overcoming adversity and adapting to challenges to fostering collaboration and building a resilient brand, my athletic background has equipped me with invaluable skills for navigating the start-up landscape. By harnessing qualities such as resilience, teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to integrity, I am poised to lead Accessercise towards success while staying true to our mission of empowering the disabled community.

The journey from athlete to entrepreneur is undeniably challenging, yet immensely rewarding. As I leverage my unique skill set and experiences to drive Accessercise forward, I am privileged to contribute to the diversity and innovation of the start-up ecosystem. Together, we are redefining success beyond the confines of the gym, creating a more inclusive and empowering future for all.