Gareth Picken

Nothing stops Gareth, even spina bifida, hydrocephalus and a wheelchair. At aged 7, he represented G.B. in a mainstream gymnastics display team at the World Gymnaestrada (Austria). His confidence and love of competitive sport helped him enter and win Blue Peter's 'POSTCARD TO BEIJING' competition. His prize of taking part in the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympics alongside Ade Adepitan proved inspirational for not only Gareth, but his school, friends and community. As a direct result of the Beijing Paralympics and watching Eleanor Symmonds, Gareth was motivated to take up competitive swimming. In February this year, he won 3 gold medals and a silver medal at the National Junior Disability Swimming Championship and now his eyes are set on 'Rio 2016'. Gareth has achieved all this despite extensive invasive operations and setbacks. He is what the Paralympic dream is about - he is inspired, he goes for it, he inspires others. His greatest wish would be to complete his journey, along with the torch, from the Bird's Nest in Beijing to his home, Great Britain.