Relishing Challenges

About

Relishing
Challenges

Lauren Steadman is a multi medalist Paralympic Champion in the Women's Individual PTS5 category, three-time World Champion and eight-time European Champion. Lauren was born missing her lower right arm but this has only spurred her on to be the best version of herself, and she relishes the challenges of overcoming barriers.

Mission

Determination, Discipline AND integrity

Lauren in the British Triathalon

Her motivational strategies for achieving a strong mindset and focused goals are transferable to performance and everyday life.

  • Overcoming perceived boundaries

    Enable others to overcome perceived boundaries, and socially constructed restrictions.

  • Holding a high performance mindset

    Optimising a strong mindset into leadership environments.

  • Enabling growth in the next generation

    Leveraging her own experiences to deliver growth and development platforms for the next generation of talent.

Lauren on a tennis courtLauren in Strictly Come Dancing
Lauren on a tennis court
Lauren in the forest with a dog
Lauren sitting in a chair, wearing a yellow dress
Lauren sitting with two dogs on a sofa
Lauren visiting a school
Lauren giving a talk
Lauren in Strictly Come Dancing

Lauren’s Journey

Representing beijing 2008

At the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, Lauren Steadman made her debut as a Paralympic swimmer at just 15 years old. Competing in the S9 classification, Lauren raced in multiple events, including the 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle.

Though she didn’t medal in Beijing, the experience marked the beginning of her Paralympic journey, helping her gain invaluable experience at the highest level of competition. It set the foundation for her future success, motivating her to refine her skills and later transition into triathlon, where she would go on to achieve Paralympic gold. Beijing was a pivotal step in her evolution as an elite athlete.

Lauren representing beijing in 2008

Lauren’s Journey

Competing in London 2012

At the 2012 London Paralympic Games, Lauren Steadman competed in her second Paralympics as a swimmer in the S9 classification. Representing Great Britain on home soil, she raced in the events 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle, gaining strong support from the crowd, she finished 11th, 8th and 5th respectively.

This Paralympic appearance also marked a turning point for Lauren, inspiring her eventual transition from swimming to paratriathlon, where she would later achieve even greater success.

Lauren Competing in London 2012

Lauren’s Journey

Paratriathlon Debut in rio

At the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, Lauren Steadman made her debut as a paratriathlete after transitioning from swimming. Competing in the PT4 category, Lauren delivered an outstanding performance earning her a Silver medal. An early mistake in the swim section, cost her the gold medal, but she fought hard through the remaining parts of the race to earn her first Paralympic medal for ParalympicsGB. leading much of the race.

While just short of the top spot, her silver medal marked a major achievement in her paratriathlon career and solidified her status as one of the world’s best para-triathletes. Rio proved to be a defining moment in her pursuit of Paralympic glory.

Lauren at Rio's Paralympic Games in 2016

Lauren’s Journey

Dazzling the dance floor

In 2018, Lauren Steadman competed in the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer AJ Pritchard. As the show’s first female contestant with a disability, Lauren impressed both judges and audiences with her determination, grace, and adaptability, learning to dance despite the challenges posed by her missing lower right arm.

Her inspiring performances, including the Viennese waltz, jive, and paso doble, showcased her resilience and positive attitude. Lauren made it to the semi-finals, finishing in 5th place, and left a lasting impact on viewers by breaking barriers and raising awareness for disability inclusion.

Lauren and AJ at Strictly Come Dancing

Lauren’s Journey

Embracing opportunities

In 2019, Lauren Steadman participated in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, a tough reality series where celebrities undergo military-style training led by ex-Special Forces personnel. Lauren took on extreme physical and mental challenges, pushing herself beyond her limits. Throughout the series, she demonstrated incredible resilience, mental strength, and determination, often excelling in tasks that tested endurance, teamwork, and survival instincts.

Lauren’s participation was particularly impactful as she continued to break barriers, proving that her disability was no obstacle in facing even the most intense challenges. She was one of the final recruits to pass the course, solidifying her reputation as a true fighter.

Lauren passes SAS: Who Dares Wins

Lauren’s Journey

back STRONGER THAN EVER

At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games (held in 2021), Lauren Steadman achieved her ultimate goal by winning gold in the paratriathlon. Competing in the PTS5 category, she delivered an exceptional performance, showing dominance across all three disciplines—swimming, cycling, and running.

After missing out on gold in Rio 2016, Lauren came into Tokyo determined and focused. In a thrilling race, she took the lead during the bike, extending her lead in the run to claim her long-awaited Paralympic gold. This victory was the pinnacle of her athletic career, symbolizing 17 years of hard work, perseverance, and resilience, cementing her legacy as a Paralympic champion.

Lauren wins the Paralympic Champion title in Tokyo 2020

Lauren’s Journey

Motivational Fashion

In 2020 amidst lockdown, Sizu was born, a brand of motivational wellness driven clothing, purpose driven to install confidence and help make a difference to peoples mindsets.

Sizu has developed a community of followers on social media, and the motivational apparel has to date gifted over £45,000 to mental health, suicide and children's charities. It has become a catalyst for boosting mindsets within an organic community, with responsible, ethical practise and sustainable foundations.

Lauren co-founds Sizu, a motivational fashion brand

Lauren’s Journey

Granted Recognition

Lauren Steadman was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2022 New Year Honours for her services to triathlon. This prestigious recognition followed her outstanding achievements in sport, particularly her gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and her contributions to raising awareness about disability.

The MBE honored not only her athletic success but also her work as an inspirational figure, breaking barriers and encouraging others to overcome challenges. Receiving the MBE was a proud and significant moment in Lauren’s career, celebrating her dedication to both sport and advocacy.

Lauren granted Member of the Order (MBE)

Lauren’s Journey

Mapping mental health

With twenty two years of competitive athletic experience, Lauren has witnessed the highs and lows of elite high performance, having battled through hard seasons and ultimately achieving the highest sporting accolade.

Her awareness of both the physical and mental demands within sport, positions Lauren perfectly to give back to the world of sport, through supporting our current and future athletes towards improving the holistic approach to being an athlete, understanding how to achieve balance between our athletes athletic careers and personal lives.

Lauren beginning her PhD

Future plans

Making history as an athlete

Paris 2024

Lauren competed in Paris at the Summer Games for ParalympicsGB, her fifth consecutive games, claiming her third medal for Great Britain. Completing her full set of Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Lauren on a bike
Lauren running

Services

Educating and inspiring with humility

Lauren standing and giving a talk

Laurens audience explore her journey, draws inspiration, and embark on a path to crave their own self motivation and goals.

  • Mastering your own self motivation

    Keynote speeches - embrace your strengths, navigate setbacks, and learn new potential.

  • The strength to push boundaries

    Workshops - redefine boundaries, limits and expectations, and gain courage to be bold when pursing goals and navigating obstacles.

  • Drawing collaborative inspiration

    Mentoring - empowering you to push boundaries, build confidence, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and take meaningful steps toward your own success.

  • Navigating multifaceted challenges

    Commentary and Hosting - experienced combined with charisma ensures Lauren captivates and inspires her audiences, while bringing fresh perspectives to every event.

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