Paralympian and MBE, Anne Wafula Strike shares powerful insights on inclusion, resilience and creating real change for disabled communities.
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Top rated!5 of 5
As Patron to the Canal Boat Project "CanalAbility" Anne has been most supportive of the charity and a wonderful example to all people with disabilities.
Tony Moore
Concert's Manager at THREE VALLEYS MALE VOICE CHOIR
Anne Wafula Strike MBE brings a story that moves people to think differently and act with purpose. From arriving in the UK in 2000 to competing at the highest level in Paralympic sport, her journey is shaped by determination and courage. She speaks with clarity about resilience, equality and the importance of access for all. With experience across elite sport, public campaigning and boardrooms, Anne delivers talks that stay with audiences long after the event.
Anne Wafula Strike’s journey began in Kenya before she moved to the UK in 2000. Just two years later, she discovered wheelchair racing, a moment that would redefine her path. By 2004, she was representing Kenya at the Athens Paralympics, reaching the 400m final and placing herself firmly on the international stage.
After gaining British citizenship, Anne continued her athletic career with Paralympics GB. She competed at the 2006 World Championships across the 100m, 200m and 400m, building a reputation for determination and competitive spirit. Her experiences as an elite athlete now shape her keynote talks, where she connects performance, mindset and resilience to everyday challenges in business and life.
Anne has used her platform far beyond sport. She has become a strong and consistent voice for disabled people, challenging barriers that many still face daily. In 2016, she gained national attention for speaking out about the lack of accessible toilets and the challenges within public transport systems.
Her willingness to share personal experiences in the national press brought visibility to an issue affecting thousands. She became actively involved in the Changing Places campaign, advocating for improved facilities across the UK. In 2018, alongside fellow campaigners, she personally delivered a petition to Downing Street, pushing for change at the highest level.
This work contributed to wider discussions, including the Department for Transport’s Draft Transport Accessibility Action Plan. Anne continues to engage with decision-makers, showing that change requires persistence, collaboration and a clear voice.
Alongside her sporting and campaigning work, Anne has built extensive experience as a Non-Executive Director. She has served on several influential boards, including UK Athletics, the British Paralympic Association and Active Essex. Her insight brings a valuable perspective on governance, inclusion and long-term strategy.
Her work also extends into healthcare, having served on a local NHS Trust. Across these roles, Anne contributes with a strong focus on representation and ensuring that diverse voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Anne’s commitment to inclusion is reflected in her support for a range of charities. She has worked closely with organisations such as the British Polio Fellowship, Able Child? and CBM UK. Through these partnerships, she continues to advocate for improved opportunities and support for disabled individuals.
She also founded the Olympia-Wafula Foundation, which supports disabled people both in the UK and internationally. The foundation reflects her belief that access to opportunity should not be limited by geography or circumstance.
Anne’s contribution has been recognised with an MBE in 2014 for her services to disability sport and charity. She has also received multiple awards, including winning the BBC’s My Story competition.
Her autobiography, In My Dreams I Dance, published by HarperCollins, offers a deeper insight into her life, challenges and achievements. It captures her journey with honesty and strength, providing inspiration for readers facing their own obstacles.
Anne Wafula Strike delivers keynote talks that combine lived experience with practical insight. She speaks about resilience, inclusion, leadership and the importance of creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Her message is clear and grounded in real experience: progress happens when people choose to act. Whether addressing corporate audiences, public sector organisations or educational institutions, Anne leaves audiences with a renewed perspective and a strong sense of purpose.
5 of 5
As Patron to the Canal Boat Project "CanalAbility" Anne has been most supportive of the charity and a wonderful example to all people with disabilities.
Tony Moore Concert's Manager at THREE VALLEYS MALE VOICE CHOIR
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
I first met Anne some years ago on a playground to podium event and during the Paralympics of 2012 she was a great support for me and helped me to overcome many of the challenges that I encountered in my position as head coach of the Haitian team. Anne is a wonderful person who works hard to make this world a better place by providing guidance and help to so many. Anne not only helped me in my role as a coach and manager but also through her book "in my dreams I dance" I understand so much more about disability and the struggles one has to go through. I am proud to say that Anne is my friend.
Malcolm Wallace Lead Coach at South West Herts Sports Academy
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
Anne is dedicated to promoting rights for disabled people, women and ethnic minorities. She is generous with her time, knowledge and has a wide range of network contacts in many facets of her consulting work.
Pet Thornton CEO at Disability Essex
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
Anne Wafula Strike , is an amazing woman , who strives to help others in a similar position to Anne, Disabled ! She is an Ambassador for many great causes and is an amazing. Patron of The Dream Factory Children’s Charity. Anne is an inspiration to many , she has written her Autobiography, she is an inspiration
Avril Mills BEM Mills FOUNDER, OF THE DREAM FACTORY , AWARDED THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL & AWARDED FREEMAN OF THE BOROUGH OF REDBRIDGE
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
I have been fortunate enough to get to collaborate with Anne on a number of important Human Rights and disability equality campaigns. Her tenacity, power voice and insight have made her a critical partner in raising awareness of critical policy issues. Anne is authentic. She brings real world experience to her leadership. She is someone I am glad to know and hope that I get to collaborate with again!
Fiach OBroin-Molloy Social Development Adviser - Accountability and Inclusion at Department for International Development (DFID)
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
Anne is an Ambassador for the British Polio Fellowship and in this role I have worked closely with her on a number of campaign. She is extremely passionate about the cause of Polio Survivors and the disability community in general and does everything she can to improve the lives of others. It has been a pleasure to work with her on these projects.
Kripen Dhrona Charity management, Communications and Marketing Professional - CEO @ British Polio Fellowship
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
You cannot fail to be singularly inspired by this woman in so many ways. Her book is riveting and full of so many emotions telling the story of her life which is quite extraordinary. If it was made into a film it would almost certainly become a classic. Someone out there should take a step to reflect on this opportunity. Her life challenges and experience shine through in her public speaking and her determination in her passion and desire to help it here’s to achieve. A true pleasure to have engaged with Anne in leadership events.
Irene Gray Non Executive Director at Forest Healthcare Ltd
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
Anne is a passionate campaigner for disability rights and that sports should be accessible for all. With lived experience she brings knowledge and understanding to work she does in campaigning and Sports
Michelle Weltman MBE Head of Disability
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
Anne Wafula Strike MBE, PLY is an inspiring athlete and disability rights activist who has overcome incredible personal and societal challenges to become a champion for change. As an ambassador for disabled people's rights, she has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the issues faced by disabled people in society. Through her work, she has shown that it is possible to achieve success in the face of adversity and has encouraged others to do the same. Her commitment, resilience and determination are an inspiration to all who know her or have been touched by her story. Anne's achievements, both on and off the track, have made a lasting impact and will continue to inspire generations to come. Anne's story has extremely inspired me and after hearing her speech at the University of Leicester, she has kindly joined my Heart Health in Business group as she is determined to make a positive impact and help others. Fantastic communication skills and dedication to everything she does.
Sophie Owen, BA (Hons) First Class, Assoc CIPD Wellbeing, Service Delivery and Strategy Coordinator | Founder of Heart Health in Business | Forbes 30 Under 30 Candidate 2024 | Board Member - Heart of England Business Board | Autocar Driver of Change 2025
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
I had the pleasure and privilege of working alongside Anne on the Board of UK Athletics. Anne has achieved so much in a range of roles due to her dedication, enthusiasm, experiences, humility and ability to overcome daunting challenges. Anne is a warm, fun loving lady who is always there to share her talents for any worthwhile cause.
Kevan Taylor Trustee
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
Anne is simply inspirational. She is generous with her time, thought-provoking with her ideas and intolerant of things that are wrong. It has been a privilege to know her.
Paul Plummer Prof, NED | Transportation, Energy | Strategy, Transformation
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
I first worked with Anne when she was an international athlete. She faced many and diverse challenges to progress her athletic career and showed great determination, dignity and resilience throughout. These experiences, and her wider life story, provide a solid platform for the leadership roles Anne has taken up since. Whether it be at the highest levels of international diplomacy or ensuring strong governance as a national board member or supporting individuals and community organisations at the local level, Anne leads and advocates with steely strength, gentle grace, deep understanding and from a place of genuine connection and care.
Kathryn Periac Performance Leader
Anne Wafula Strike
5 of 5
I have only known Anne for two years, from when she joined the East of England Regional Stakeholder Network and became chair. From the very first conversation we had it was completely evident that Anne is passionate and driven to make the lives of disabled people better. This passion is reflected in her involvement and active roles with a wide range of organisations, including the Commonwealth, the British Paralympic Association and The Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust as a non-executive director. Anne is multi faceted, having faced and overcome her own significant challenges, which has given her strength, empathy and understanding. There are many other positive words I can use to describe Anne, but for me personally, “friend” / “ally” & “confidant” spring to mind.
Carl Suckling Community Co-ordinator at Cambridgeshire County Council
Anne Wafula Strike
Keynote by Anne Wafula Strike:
Anne Wafula Strike delivers keynotes that spark honest conversations and drive meaningful change. Drawing from her journey as a Paralympian, she explores diversity, disability and identity, challenging perceptions and creating space where people feel seen and valued.
She shares her story as the first Sub-Saharan wheelchair racing athlete at the Paralympics, alongside insights on performance, success and resilience. Anne also addresses racial awareness and the power of sport to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Each talk is tailored to inspire reflection, encourage dialogue and leave a lasting impact.
Watch Anne Wafula Strike in action
Watch Anne Wafula Strike in action!
