A Winning Mindset

The world of intellectual impairments is explored in the latest episode of A Winning Mindset with British Paralympic swimmer, Jessica-Jane Applegate. In the final episode of this second series, Jessica-Jane discussed her journey with an intellectual impairment. From struggling at school to being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, the athlete from Great Britain has a message around treating people fairly that needs to be heard by all. “You can achieve anything your mind wants, because if you believe that you can, you can do it.” The Paralympian also discusses her medal success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and how life living by the sea prepared her for a career in the water. A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4. Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear future episodes.

Sebastian Magenheim, the German wheelchair basketball sensation, takes time away from his new career with Allianz to discuss the importance of being able to adapt to changing roles in life.  Magenheim, who took to the court at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, expresses how his sporting career has prepared him for his current position with Allianz, the Paralympic Insurance Partner who partner with the IPC on A Winning Mindset.  “Sports gave me a really good idea of what I'm capable to do. And this is something I also take to the office. I really appreciate what I have, where I am and I'm looking forward to doing even better and greater things.” Themes for this episode including: Making a change in life, decision making, adapting to new challenges, personal management and support systems. A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4. Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes!

It's A Winning Mindset first as we are joined by Canadian husband-and-wife duo Billy Bridges and Sami Jo Small to discuss how teamwork and how they support one another to achieve their goals.  Billy (a Paralympian) and Sami (an Olympian) tell the stories of what makes their relationship so strong and explore the need for everyone to have a support group they can rely on in life.  The duo discuss the teamwork in life which brings the best out of each other, analysing why it is important to them and the skills we can all apply to our daily lives.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Sebastian Magenheim and Jessica Jane Applegate. 

German vision impaired skier and biathlete Clara Klug delves into the mental side of her life and explains how the people around her have helped to make her the strong, independent and confident person she is today.  Klug, who will compete at the 2022 Winter Paralympics, is joined by sister Pia to analyse the tricks and techniques she has to get the best out of every single day. Clara speaks about her outlook on life with her sister Pia, who supports her both in and out of sport. But Pia isn't alone, as Clara discusses how ‘A dentist treats you before something happens, but not the psychologist. Why?'  A must-listen for those looking to build and improve their mental strength and wellbeing.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Billy Bridges and Jessica Jane Applegate. 

USA athlete Jaleen Roberts speaks honestly, openly and emotionally about life with bipolar disorder as part of the latest episode of A Winning Mindset.  Roberts, a Team USA medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, talks candidly about her journey with mental health and how the decision to check herself into a facility helped to understand herself better on her journey in life and in sport.  In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Jaleen provides a deep insight into what bipolar disorder is, the symptoms which led to her taking charge of her mindset and the misconceptions still apparent when it comes to mental health.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life. WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Billy Bridges and Clara Klug. 

Sumit Antil, the Indian gold-medal winning javelin thrower, speaks from the heart about the world of disability and how he found his purpose in life, in the latest episode of A Winning Mindset.  Given a hero's welcome after victory at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Sumit is focused on disability representation across India. Alongside his best friend Mohit, this episode talks about how the world has meaning for him and why Sumit wants to be at the heart of global change.  Sumit and Mohit talk in depth about their personal relationship and how through each other, they have been able to find their true purpose in life.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life. WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Marcel Hug. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Jaleen Roberts and Clara Klug. 

TikTok sensation and Paralympic gold medallist Anastasia Pagonis joins A Winning Mindset for a fun-filled chat on all things success and defying expectations.  Pagonis, who has built over a million followers across social media, made her medal- winning debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but it is away from the swimming pool that she continues to break barriers. A global role model for persons with a visual impairment, the US swimmer brings her joyous attitude to offer words of wisdom for others.  Listen to this episode to take inspiration from Anastasia and to understand how the actions of others – in her case her coach – can open opportunities in life that you never expected.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Sumit Antil and Jaleen Roberts. 

It's time to get motivated by a true great. ‘Silver Bullet' Marcel Hug takes time from his extraordinary 2021 to discuss the theme of motivation and how it leads to his perfection on and off the track.  The multiple-time Paralympic gold medallist spoke to Andy Stevenson following his victory at the New York Marathon, opening up on what keeps him motivated and how his coach Paul Odermatt's encouragement continually gets the best out of a man at the very top of the sporting ladder.  By listening to Hug's episode, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about how motivation and motivational thoughts come directly from loving what you do in life. This inspirational 30 minutes with a Paralympic Games great is one not to miss.  A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS  Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self- improvement themes. Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.  The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.  Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Sumit Antil and Anastasia Pagonis. 

Hannah Macdougall, the Australian Para Swimming and cycling great, provides her expertise on how we can all maintain our wellbeing in our everyday lives. Macdougall, a medallist at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, has studied a PhD in the subject and discusses the importance of focusing on personal wellbeing as part of a healthy and happy lifestyle, offering practical tips to listeners. Additionally, Macdougall talks openly with her coach about what everybody can do to maximise their own time and happiness. If you are looking for tips to improve your own wellbeing, this is a must listen. A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, who share experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.    WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS    Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes.  Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.   Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.     The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.    Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Millie Knight and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Marcel Hug and Anastasia Pagonis.

Millie Knight is first on the mic to discuss how having a support group in place is vital for anyone to succeed in life. Great Britain's Millie Knight is a multiple-time Paralympic medallist in alpine skiing, taking to the slopes with her guide and friend, Brett Wild. Knight, who is visually impaired, speaks openly about the role Brett and many more play in her life, as well as a frank discussion on how she recovers from harrowing moments. A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, with experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.     The official podcast of the Paralympic Games provides a platform for Para athletes to talk about their empowering and inspirational stories and allows each athlete to showcase their true personalities.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS    Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes.  Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.   Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.    The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.    Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Jonnie Peacock and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Marcel Hug and Anastasia Pagonis. 

A Winning Mindset, an award-winning partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz, is a fascinating journey into the minds of Paralympians, with experiences that can benefit your own personal and professional life.      The official podcast of the Paralympic Games provides a platform for Para athletes to talk about their empowering and inspirational stories and allows each athlete to showcase their true personalities.  WINNER OF BEST BRANDED PODCAST AT THE 2021 WEBBY AWARDS WINNER OF BEST PODCAST AT 2021 DIGIDAY MEDIA EUROPE AWARDS WINNER OF BEST SPORT PODCAST AT 2021 SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS    Episodes go beyond Paralympic stories by covering a range of educational, mental health and self-improvement themes.  Athletes also tackle subjects that are close to their hearts and of interest to fans. Issues explored include finding purpose, wellbeing, motivation, changing attitudes, overcoming failure, support systems, resilience, positivity, diversity and inclusion, body confidence and many more.   Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we bring you this series of podcasts. We will introduce you to stories with Paralympians that will spark confidence in your everyday life. Stories of challenges, ups and downs, determination, and excellence. Stories that demonstrate the true power of having the right team behind you. And prepare you for what's ahead.     The Paralympic podcast series is presented by British broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who has reported on the Paralympic Games since 2012 for BBC and Channel 4.     Featured athletes include Tatyana McFadden, Jonnie Peacock and Arly Velasquez. Make sure you subscribe to hear upcoming episodes from athletes including Millie Knight, Marcel Hug and Anastasia Pagonis.    

Episode three of this WeThe15 mini-series of A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics sees Paralympic Games legend Tatyana McFadden quiz Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.  As part of the WeThe15 global campaign, the IPC are working with over 20 organisations, including the United Nations, to spark global conversations on the topic of disability rights   Launched ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, WeThe15 aims to end discrimination towards persons with disabilities and act as a global movement publicly campaigning for disability visibility, inclusion, and accessibility. “The campaign is really important now because what it's done is brought down the barriers to have those conversations, and not to feel you can't. Many people have the fear of making a mistake or being improper, and so they start to look past or over you. So this initiative is really important to bring things down to our level, because we don't get it. It's a brilliant way of opening up that space.” Alongside Mohammed, Team USA's Para Athletics legend Tatyana McFadden moved into the role of presenter after appearing in the first series as a guest. McFadden, now preparing for her sixth Paralympic Games, is looking to add to her phenomenal tally of 17 Paralympic medals.  Webby and Digiday award-winning podcast, A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics, delves into the lives of those at the heart of the Paralympic Movement. Athletes and individuals who have life lessons to educate listeners, and to apply to every single day.

Australian Paralympic sensation Ellie Cole speaks with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on WeThe15's global importance in the second episode of this A Winning Mindset mini-series. Bachelet, who prior to her role as UN High Commissioner served as the President of Chile, is a key figure in the world of accessibility, and in her role with the United Nations is part of an organisation supporting WeThe15. Speaking with Para Swimming star Cole, Bachelet reflects: “Our aim with the IPC was to change the narrative on persons with disabilities. It leads to the lives of people being prejudiced and ableism causes an unconscious bias. To change this narrative, we need a new discourse. The objective is simple: we want everyone to know persons with disabilities represent 15% of the population, and that having an impairment doesn't make you a lesser person.” Alongside Bachelet, Netflix's Rising Phoenix star and Para Swimming sensation Cole spoke on how she sees the campaign playing a significant part in disability rights, as she continues her preparations for her fourth Paralympic Games.  Launched ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, WeThe15 aims to end discrimination towards persons with disabilities and act as a global movement publicly campaigning for disability visibility, inclusion, and accessibility. This episode is the first of four to be released throughout the course of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, focusing on the WeThe15 campaign. To find out more, visit http://www.wethe15.org.  Webby and Digiday award-winning podcast, A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics, delves into the lives of those at the heart of the Paralympic Movement. Athletes and individuals who have life lessons to educate listeners, and to apply to every single day.

To mark the launch of WeThe15, the biggest ever human rights movement to represent the world's 1.2 billion persons with disabilities, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons speaks on the significance of WeThe15. The first episode in this mini-series of A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics, American Paralympic medallist and global advocate for disability rights Anna Johannes speaks in depth with the IPC President on the ground-breaking movement which aims to represent the world's 1.2 billion persons with disabilities. "We will use the Paralympic Games as a catalyst, but it is way more than sport. More than one billion persons have a disability, and we want to promote changes in legislation. One in every seven human beings have a disability, and they need to be given an opportunity. Employment, mobility and opportunity. The world needs to change how it treats 15% of it's population." Launched ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, WeThe15 aims to end discrimination towards persons with disabilities and act as a global movement publicly campaigning for disability visibility, inclusion, and accessibility. Webby and Digiday award-winning podcast, A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics, delves into the lives of those at the heart of the Paralympic Movement. Athletes and individuals who have life lessons to educate listeners, and to apply to every single day.

Bebe Vio. The Rising Phoenix... One of the most recognisable Paralympians of all-time is the guest for the final episode of the series.  Contracting meningitis aged 11, Vio had both arms amputated and both legs from the knees down. Today, she is a Paralympic great and one of the faces of the Movement. It's a position driven by her incredible defiance and ability to challenge perceptions.  “They used to tell me it was impossible. 'You cannot do that because you have a disability, you cannot do that because of your prosthetics.'," she explains. "Every time I find this situation, is the moment I really enjoy it, because I must do that. I'm gonna do that. Maybe I need much more time and tries, but it's the moment I wake up so much and I say 'OK, I must do that.'”  Vio also discusses the Netflix sensation Rising Phoenix, a film charting the phenomenal history of the Paralympic Games through the lives of the athletes who make it one of the greatest events on earth.  Other topics include Vio's non-profit organisation Art4Sport, carrying the Paralympic Torch and dinner in the White House with Barack and Michelle Obama.   The episode with Bebe Vio is the final episode of the series. If you've enjoyed what you heard, please leave a review of the series on a podcast platform of your choice.  Learning topics for this episode include defiance, pushing boundaries, personal development and resilience.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you. 

Kaleo Kanahele Maclay, a two-time Paralympic medallist, talks sitting volleyball, being a business owner and a mother to a three-year old son. Maclay, who represents USA in sitting volleyball, made her Paralympic bow at London 2012, winning silver, before following it up with gold in Rio 2016. But sport is just one part of her action-packed life.  “I have always wanted to bring Duke and my family along because I do think I can do all three. I can be a mum, I can be a family person, a business owner and an athlete. I don't think I have to choose one over the other. But it is a lot of work to try and make them all work together," she said. “And (I own) Cookies by Kaleo, and I just opened Flour and Flower. I started Cookies by Kaleo just because I wanted something creative to do.”  Maclay also reflects on the importance of having the right team around her, most notably, her husband Matthew.  “Because we travel so much, Matthew has only gotten to see me play a handful of times but when we lived in Hawaii, he had a very upfront role in training with me," she said.  "He was tossing all the balls, learning about all the different aspects of volleyball. And with Duke, I couldn't do it without him.”  There's talk of Tokyo 2020, growing up with a disability and a potential future star of the volleyball court! Learning topics for this episode include parenting, time management, mindfulness, the importance of family and business management    Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you. 

Colombian swimmer Carlos Serrano discusses the importance of motivation, passion and purpose in the latest episode of A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. Serrano, who won three Paralympic medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, joined Andy Stevenson to speak about his life outside the pool and the key drivers behind his career so far.    “I feel a responsibility of making all people of short stature proud” Serrano says. “I do intend to support sports in anyway possible, I'd like to continue providing motivation to disabled people, so they can work hard and improve.”   Serrano, who was born with achondroplasia, also spoke with pride about being a father and how his daughter has changed him for the better since her birth at the beginning of 2020.    “She makes me very happy; I am very proud of her, I love seeing her grow up. Sara Luna gives me motivation to compete harder and to win more races. I want her to see me as someone who aimed high and was able to achieve his goals.”  Serrano who is preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, also reflects on the importance of his mother and how he sees his future progressing.   Learning topics for this episode include parenting, positive mindsets, motivation and envisioning success.   Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you. 

Uganda's star of the pool Husnah Kukundakwe discusses disability rights and representation in Africa and her hopes for the future of the world. Kukundakwe, who made her international debut at the 2019 Allianz Para Swimming World Championships in London, has had quite the battle in her 13 years: from being an outcast at school and in public due to her disability, to becoming the swimming star of Uganda.   “(The biggest factor) is the way we are treated in public," she said.  "A disabled child would be rejected by their family. They leave them at home to hide from the public. In the rural areas of Uganda, parents who give birth to children with disabilities are seen to be outcast. 'How could you have a kid that looks like this?' Sometimes they will even pray to the original Gods because they think giving birth to a child with a disability means you're cursed.”  Kukundakwe, who was born with a limb impairment, experienced it all, including being outcast by her own teachers. But the youngster has defied sub-par facilities, limited opportunities and harassment to become a Tokyo 2020 contender.   For the swimmer, her journey will be about more than sport though. “Age doesn't matter because anyone can do anything to change the world and make it a better place for other people to live in. Because if a teenager can do that and make so much in the world, why wouldn't an adult try to do the same?" Kukundakwe also discusses the impact of Malala across the globe and her Malala Fund, in addition to family life and disability representation on a wider scale.  Learning topics for this episode include representation, disability rights, changing perceptions, challenging stereotypes, youth leadership and education.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you. 

German Paralympic great Markus Rehm speaks openly about a life which has seen him break every barrier that has stood in his way.  Rehm, the multiple-time Paralympic Games champion in long jump and world record holder at 8.48m, reflects on the hurdles he still has to overcome to reach his ambitions.  “I would like to perform at the Olympic Games,” he admits. “Not because I want to be an Olympic athlete, I am a Paralympic athlete and I'm proud of it. But I want to compete at the Olympic Games to prove that it's worth getting some tickets for our events, that it's worth watching our events.”   Speaking with Andy Stevenson, Rehm also reveals how he is helping others to defy the odds in his day job as a prosthetist.  “I had a child - seven years old - who had an accident with a truck and lost both his legs. I met him in the hospital and if I see him now, he's doing everything. He walks on his two prosthesis, now he's started Paralympic swimming and it's just great to see the process.”   Rehm also discusses his life as the blade jumper, his ambitions for the future and some secrets about what prepares him for his biggest competitions.   Learning topics for this episode include overcoming odds, breaking barriers, providing an example, determination and scientific advancements.    Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you. 

A Paralympic skiier from Mexico isn't something you expect to see too often. But Arly Velasquez doesn't believe in expectations. Velasquez, one of a select few to ever represent Mexico at a Winter Paralympic Games, discusses the role of risk in his life - and how we can all learn to manage it.  “I have developed because of taking decisions where I have no idea. It's a matter of 'does it feel right or not?'" he said. "I don't see it as a risk, I see that when I am in the mountain on a sit ski, I just feel the most free.”  The former BMX champion also discusses the risks he took when leaving Mexico on the spur of a moment, building a new life on the ski slopes in Canada.   “(Skiing) gave me the belief to go back to Mexico, sell all my stuff,  sell my car and pretty much fly to the border," he said.  "It's very, rare that there are moments in your life where you are feeling and your gut tells you that you are in the right place. That you are doing the right thing and that it's something that you want to keep doing in your life. That's what I felt for the first time.”  Learning topics for this episode include managing risk, how to build a brand, self-understanding, defiance, thrill-seeking and exploration.   Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you. 

Croatian snowboarder Bruno Bosnjak speaks candidly about the trauma of breaking his back twice, and how he overcame his darkest days to become a Paralympic medallist.    Bosnjak was severely injured after a snowboard accident when training for the Olympics in 2006.  “I remember everything. I never lost consciousness. I was going 60km per hour and someone came underneath me in the air. Then when I was lying there in the finish and I wanted to move, I can't move," he says. "The craziest thing about that was I just... It's not that I could not move, the body was not here. I just felt my head. Then they said the spinal cord is probably cut.”   Bosnjak, who maintains that "all of my life is rehab", emerged from hospital intent on returning to sport and the world of snowboarding, although a second serious incident left him with a broken vertebrae and put those plans on hold again. “It ended in a very dangerous surgery where the doctor said that I could die again. I'm always fearing death in my life. I was going to risk it because I didn't want to stay in this dislocated position. I'd rather risk my life than have a life where I cannot do anything because I have to take care of my neck all the time," he said. And yet, despite two major near-death experiences, Bosnjak did return to the slopes, and explains in detail how he was able to overcome the trauma in his life to win Winter Paralympics bronze in PyeongChang.    Learning topics for this episode include overcoming trauma, mental strength, the importance of family, defiance and determination.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

RJ Mitte answers YOUR questions about life with a disability and offers some tips to help you improve every day. The Hollywood actor, best known for appearing in Breaking Bad, discusses his life as part of a special short episode in which he answers questions sent in from social media! “People think of habits as a negative. But I focus on positive habits. What are things you can do that subconsciously turn into a habit?" says Mitte, who was part of British broadcaster Channel 4's presenting team at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. "With cerebral palsy, a lot of what I'm saying has been programmed in my brain to say it when I want to say it. A lot of people with CP have a delay and it's making that delay shorter for the brain communicating to the body. Making the brain and the body one is a key factor.” To listen to the full episode with RJ and many other Paralympians including Jonnie Peacock and Tatyana McFadden, search ‘A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics'. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte joins us on A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics to discuss his love of the Paralympic Games and why he believes Hollywood should be doing more for persons with a disability. Mitte, who starred as Walt Jr in the hit Netflix show, Breaking Bad, talks about how the entertainment industry can represent disability better, particularly after recent backlash over the portrayal of limb difference in The Witches.  "It's a marketing ploy," he admits. "They don't care how it blows up, as long as it blows up for long enough to get a return. And when it comes to showing people with disabilities as a hero, it's a case of look at that person overcoming adversity.  "The only time you see a disabled hero is when they're in a wheelchair and then walking. There's so many of those that we need to go away from and strive for better." The American actor also spoke on how his role has not only changed him, but how it may have the power to influence other disabled actors.  "The closest person I had to relate to (growing up) was Forrest Gump. But he wasn't really disabled," he says. "But I'm now very honoured we have a Walt Jr to look at and to not just be a disabled person, but a pivotal part of a family. Walt Jr set a tone for what we are striving for in the arts and media." Beyond being an actor, Mitte travelled to Rio 2016 as part of the Channel 4 broadcasting team, and he is counting down the days until Tokyo 2020.  "Growing up I watched the Olympics but I also watched the Paralympics. I hung around to the end and it was always amazing to see feats that so many people believed were impossible that were actually possible and getting the opportunity to go to Rio, see all the sports and be a part of the team... it really changed my life when it came to perspective. Just seeing this true strength of valour for everyone." Learning topics for this episode include diversity and inclusion, disability representation, understanding disabilities, and breaking down barriers.     Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you. 

Para athletics star Manuela Schär speaks about how to manage performance and stay at the pinnacle of sport.  In the latest episode of A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics, Schär provides an insight into how she manages her training, lifestyle and mindset in order to continue her domination of the marathon scene.  "I think as an athlete, it's really important how you deal with disappointment also, because it's gonna be a part of your life – no matter what," says the Swiss wheelchair racer. "You can turn bad experiences or not reaching a goal into something really good, or it can go in a really bad way. I think I somehow turned it into something good and took it as a teacher or a motivation to grow. You learn from every mistake." The Paralympic Games medallist also opened up on how she recovered from a playground accident as a child that left her paralysed to become a multiple marathon champion.   "It was definitely the most difficult time of my life" she recalls. "Of course it not only changed my life but also my whole family's life. I missed my friends, and that's just the one side.  "The other side of course is just that your body changes and you have to learn what happened to your body. What will be and how you have to take care of it and get back into a normal life and that took many years." Schär also reflects on the importance of her coach and training partners in order to maintain her high levels of performance, while sharing a scoring system that keeps her at the top of her game.   Learning topics for this episode include performance management, determination, maintaining focus, dedication and the importance of a support network.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you. 

Hungarian Peter Pal Kiss discusses how he fought back from Guillain-Barré Syndrome to become a world champion on the water aged just 16.  Taken ill aged eight and having spent much of his childhood in hospital, Kiss emerged from the uncertainty of where his life would go to find Para canoe, the home of his achievements. "I am very happy that I found this sport - I almost feel like this sport was made for me. I immediately fell in love with canoeing and from then on I never stopped. I've always loved sports but I felt like I finally found myself and who I am because of canoeing." The now 17-year-old has been allowed to find himself through sport, but one thing he has also found within his mindset is an incredible resilience, aided by his support bubble. "I would say (my resilience) comes from everyone because I received a lot of positive feedback and support which has motivated me to never give up - which crossed my mind a few times. But my message is: never give up. Maybe right now things aren't looking bright and promising and you think you are going through hell, but trust me, things will always get better in time." Kiss also discusses his early days of competing, hopes for the future and why he's hoping to be seeing double after Tokyo.  Learning topics for this episode include resilience, mental health, the importance of family, defiance and self-acceptance.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you. 

Todd ‘The Hulk' Hodgetts speaks candidly about life with autism in Australia and why he refuses to let disability control his life. He talks about focusing on what he can do and his coping strategies for managing his emotions and learning new skills.  Hodgetts, a two-time Paralympian who won F20 shot put gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, opened up on how his intellectual impairment has affected his life, how he has learnt to interact with others and his early years dealing with his disability.  "I was eight years of age. It wasn't great. It's like you've just jumped off a bridge or a cliff, one of the hardest days of my life. 'How am I going to get out of this situation and try and act as normal as possible?' Then, when I was 16, I said to the doctor: 'Am I cured yet?' because I had more tests. He just laughed. I didn't really want this when I was born, I just wanted to be normal and live a normal life." The gentle giant of Paralympics Australia is a fighter and  a true great of his sport. You could say he's taken his inspiration from the movies – and one franchise in particular.  “My life is beginning now, I'm still learning things. It's not over until it's over. That's from the Rocky movies, it's one of my mottos and you just have to keep going. I'm a local boy from Tasmania who never had anything in life because people said I had a few learning difficulties. He becomes an undisputed champion of the world. Keep on keeping on.”  Hodgetts' story is one of bravery, barrier breaking behaviours and an outlook on the world that is mixed with religion, love and humour.   Learning topics for this episode include mental health, non-visible disabilities, strength training, religion, interacting with others and inspiration.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you 

Three-time Paralympian Sherif Osman takes time out from his training to discuss a career in sport and how incredible willpower has turned him into a sporting great.  Egyptian powerlifter Osman was born with polio. Growing up in a small rural village, it presented challenges and an uncertain future. But Osman was different and determined to succeed in life, he left for a new challenge in Cairo.  "When I took my decision to leave my village, everyone said 'Hey Sherif, why are you leaving?' But I wanted to just try. I came here to Cairo and never went back again, just to visit my family. Now I have work, sport, friends. Life is good." Osman, one of the faces of Para powerlifting, has won three gold medals from three successive Paralympic Games (Beijing, London and Rio) and has his sights set not only on Tokyo 2020, but 2024 in Paris and 2028 in Los Angeles too.  Osman speaks in depth about how trusting and believing in himself is at the root of his incredible drive. "It's difficult, but not impossible" is his mantra.  He also talks about has used his platform to become a role model to others, even counting Liverpool and Egypt footballer Mo Salah as a friend. He discusses the importance his family and friends have played in his life and career and why determination and willpower to succeed can be a power for good.  "Everyone has a good achievement. I like sport because it sends a message for all that our flag can rise in every land without fights. This is sport." Learning topics for this episode include willpower, determination, defying expectations, family, overcoming setbacks, disability representation, accessibility and being a role model.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you 

Ellen Keane sits down for an emotional discussion about how years of being conscious about her disability led to her becoming an international role model for young people across the world.  Keane, who represents Ireland in Para swimming, was born with a disability that she describes as her "lucky fin", but spent many of her teenage years hiding it from the world and not accepting herself. "I had convinced myself that I was unworthy of love, less of a person. I was so afraid of not being good enough and nobody would accept me."  But when she took to the pool, Keane's life changed and transformed her into an advocate for change and example for thousands of people worldwide. From Allianz telling her story in television adverts and on posters across Dublin, to Ellen using her social media platforms as an opportunity to engage with people whose situation she has been in, she has become not only a sporting idol but also a media personality.  "I was a Paralympian at 13. I met a girl in Australia and I was the first person she'd ever met with an arm like hers. I just told her 'we can have fun with it.' I now FaceTime her and tell her how important it is to not hide her arm. It's her little magic thing that nobody else has got. Being different is in fashion these days... so, roll with it!"  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

Daniel Chan opens up on how he learnt to accept himself and his disability after a road traffic accident in 2008.  The Para badminton player from Hong Kong was injured in a car accident aged 22, with the next 10 months of his life spent living in hospital and undergoing over 15 operations, culminating in the loss of his leg.  “When I first woke up, I was in ICU. I asked my doctor 'have I lost my legs?' and he said I had lost one. And I made a joke and said, 'but I'm still alive, right?'"  The loss of his leg changed Chan's mentality, recalling the shame he felt when looking in the mirror after the accident and how he struggled to cope in the months and years afterwards, a time he recalls as being 'the dark age' of his life.   "The reality of the real world was a problem. In hospital, everyone had a physical problem. Nobody discriminated you. In the real world, everyone is normal. You are the minority. They put their eyes on me because I look strange. It makes you uncomfortable. But I needed to continue my life."  And in the 12 years since his accident, that is what he has done, accepting his disability and thriving in his life both as a person and as a sporting idol.  Chan also spoke about his life in sport, where he is the world's leading Para badminton player in his classification. Ahead of the sport's Paralympic Games introduction at Tokyo 2020, he explains the importance of the Games in reaching the pinnacle of his sporting life after numerous World Championship medals.  Learning topics for this episode include self-acceptance, self-understanding, overcoming trauma, the importance of family and personal growth.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

Grace Wembolua is the focus of episode six of A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics and talks in depth about the importance of body confidence.  Wembolua, who lost both legs in an arson attack aged four, has grown from a teenager scared to show her scars and prosthetic legs to her closest friends into an international icon for body confidence, modelling and working with the likes of L'Oréal, Marie Claire and ASOS.   Reflecting on the fire, Wembolua recalled: "I literally just walked into the flames. And that's when I started getting burned. I woke up three months after in hospital and my dad was sitting next to me, dressed as a surgeon. I asked him right away 'Where is mum? Where is my brother?' He started crying. And that's how I knew that they were gone.”  Wembolua, who represented France in wheelchair basketball at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, has become a role model for thousands across the world through her media work and focus on body confidence. "As a little girl, I always wanted to become famous or to be a star and I never thought it possible or saw anybody looking different on TV. Now I want to show people that in a society where you're meant to fit in, we are a rainbow of different colours and shades and bodies. I just want people to feel empowered and brave whenever they see me or my story." The athlete, who lives in Cannes, also speaks in depth about her scars and how she has embraced them. She reflects on how she has learned to live with the perceptions of others and how she works on building her self-esteem and body positivity. The story of Wembolua is one of defiance and self-belief, as well as a powerful drive to inspire others to be happy with the way they look and become a positive role model for people globally. Learning topics for this episode include body confidence, social media management, recovering from trauma, being a role model and brand management.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

Meica Horsburgh, the captain of Australia's goalball side, sits down for a powerful and emotional discussion on mental health, bullying and how sport saved her life.  Horsburgh, who was born with albinism, was the victim of bullying, prejudice and discrimination throughout her childhood, culminating in an attempt to take her own life aged 13. “The bullying was daily. I got called a lot of names. It got to the point where I hated life and to me there was nothing to live for. I struggled a lot.”  It was only when Horsburgh discovered the sport of goalball that she found a community that she could connect with. She was able to find a release for her frustrations, and build confidence within herself, changing her psychology through time on the court. Appearing for the national side at 14, she has gone on to captain the Aussie Belles goalball team and led them all the way to the London 2012 Paralympic Games. “Goalball saved me. I found a place I could fit in and I knew I wasn't alone there. Trying to change my mindset really helped.”  The story of Horsburgh is one of hope and perseverance, as well as a message and a lesson to us all, of the struggles and persecution millions have to deal with on a daily basis. “We have come a long way, but disability is one of those things people will always look at because they are different. We've still got a long way to go to have people look at you with admiration.”  Horsburgh also opens up on her life within the sport, the relationship she has with her teammates and the pride she has in representing Australia at the very highest level of sport.  Learning topics for the episode include mental health, perseverance, positive mindset, the importance of sport, teamwork and relationships.  If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, help and advice is available at www.paralympic.org/mental-health.   Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, talks about leading the Paralympic Movement through crises and how his leadership style has been inspired by Paralympians.   In this episode, he reveals how his career progressed from intern to President of one of the most important sporting movements on the planet.   Parsons, who became IPC President in 2017 after overseeing the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, discusses the trials and tribulations of Rio 2016, being welcomed onto the podium by his friend and Brazilian athlete Daniel Dias and the power and importance of being a strong leader.   “My leadership style is I see myself as a server. I serve the Movement, the Paralympic athletes. We need to serve them and the President is just the first server. If you have the right team around you and the right purpose, we can overcome all situations and challenges.”   Key leadership skills are discussed such as problem solving, having a clear vision and focusing on things he can change.   He also speaks in depth on the importance of his role in changing perceptions of persons with disabilities and the opportunities they have in life. “One of the things we want to have an impact on is having more persons with disabilities working as employees, owners of businesses, bosses, as it happened after London 2012. There are one million more people with disabilities working because of that Games, and employment means citizenship. Diversity should be something that is valued, not only tolerated and respected. The beauty of the world is that we are all different.”   He also discusses the plans for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games following their rearrangement and Netflix's incredible new film, Rising Phoenix, which charts the growth of the Games and the athletes who make it one of the greatest sporting spectacles globally.   Learning topics for this episode include crisis leadership, inclusive leadership, servant leadership, organizational leadership, team leadership and global leadership.   Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

Greece's Paralympic boccia athlete Greg Polychronidis' story of overcoming failures, from being on the brink of quitting his career to becoming the leading athlete in the world. Greg Polychronidis opens up on his life, from being born with spinal muscular atrophy in Athens to becoming the leading Greek Paralympian, a gold medal winner and a flag bearer for his nation at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.   It's a story of overcoming losses, inside and outside of sport, and Polychronidis' experiences and life stories can provide a lesson for all of us on how to win, lose and overdefy the odds.   “I don't believe there is a person in the world who hasn't had disappointments and failure. The important thing is how to overcome this. The most important is to find your mistake in order to become stronger and not make the same mistakes. We must become stronger from each failure in life and we must appreciate when we succeed. If we do not fail, we will never know the meaning of success. Because to feel success, we must have felt the pain of the failure.”   He talks about sport, setbacks and love, particularly the love he has for his wife Katerina. The two discuss her role as his sport assistant and what that entails, as well as a love that has often been blighted by cynicism, racism and negative attitudes from those around them. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

USA's Paralympic multi-medallist Tatyana McFadden tells her story from scooting around her orphanage in St Petersburg, to changing legislation in the USA to allow equal opportunities to sport for kids with disabilities as well as her sporting career spanning four summer and one winter Paralympic Games.   As well as reliving many Paralympic stories, McFadden talks about how she is driven by a purpose that goes beyond winning medals.   "I had to fight to be allowed to train. I was denied the right to run alongside other athletes and I thought 'this is not how it should be'. We're setting the stage of teaching people it's okay to discriminate people with a disability. So I wanted to do something about it. So I sued for no money, no damages, but the right for the opportunity to participate in high school sports. It was the hardest battle as a high schooler to go through for four years."   She also talks about why telling the Paralympic story in Netflix's Rising Phoenix was so important to her, and how they broke new boundaries in film-making by ensure that 16% of the people working on the film had a disability. Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

In the first episode of A Winning Mindset, Jonnie Peacock, Great Britain's double Paralympic 100m champion sits down with Andy Stevenson to recap his life and career as one of the world's most famous Paralympians. He talks about growing up with one leg after contracting meningitis, the importance of family, his two gold medals, and how he wanted to change perceptions about disability by appearing on Strictly Come Dancing. Peacock talks about what drives him and the importance of the relationship with his mum in motivating him. He explains the role of expectations  and how he has defied expectations to achieve his goals.  The star of London 2012 also reveals the nerve-wracking seconds before winning gold at his home Paralympics. “I remember they walked us out like gladiators and I'd never heard a noise like it.” From home glory to his Rio 2016 gold medal, Peacock was elevated to new heights and in this episode, he speaks of how his rise led him all the way to the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the first person with a disability to compete on the show. “I wanted to be the first disabled person on there but not to have people talk about it. I didn't want that to be the reason they voted for me.” Peacock stars in the powerful new Netflix film about the Paralympic Games called Rising Phoenix, which debuts on Wednesday 26 August. The film, which stars Prince Harry alongside Peacock, and other Paralympic athletes like Bebe Vio, Tatyana McFadden and more, charts the rise of the Games and the individuals who make it. “That film blew me away.” Peacock also talks about how the Paralympics are changing perceptions about disability. He talks about the importance of inclusion, and how as a young kid, he wanted to play football with his mates, not get involved with disability sport. Peacock also discusses how the postponement of Tokyo 2020 due to Covid-19 has affected him, whether his career will continue to Paris 2024 and what the future holds for himself and the Paralympic Movement as a whole. We also ask the big question: could we see him in the 200m at one point? Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.

Welcome to a brand-new podcast series with some of the world's biggest Paralympic stars. In This series of interviews, we'll learn about their key qualities and how you can apply some of their experiences to your everyday life.  Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we're proud to bring you this series of podcasts. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life.  By hearing from Paralympic stars, you'll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life's challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.