Alice Tai was born with bilateral talipes, more commonly known as clubfoot, which meant both of her feet were turned inwards and downwards. By the time she reached her teenage years, Alice had endured 14 corrective surgeries and was often in a wheelchair.

She never let her condition hold her back, joining her local swimming club when she was just eight years old. Realising she would qualify as a disabled swimmer, she began competing in events when she was 11.

She debuted at the 2012 British International Disability Swimming Championships, winning silver in the final of the 400m freestyle. The following year, she progressed into senior competitions, swimming at the British International Swimming Championships. She burst onto the global stage when she was 15, winning three medals – including a gold – at the European Championships. This would be the start of her successful medal-winning run.

She made her Paralympics debut at the 2016 Rio Games, winning a gold in the 4x100m medley and a bronze in the 100m backstroke. She missed the 2020 Tokyo Games due to injury, instead appearing as a pundit for Channel 4’s coverage.

Tai’s success continued at the 2018 World Para Swimming European Championships in Dublin, where she won a staggering seven gold medals, dominating the competition and showcasing her versatility across multiple events. This feat earned her the prestigious title of Best Female Athlete of the Championships, further cementing her legacy in the sport.

In 2019, she added to her impressive medal haul at the World Para Swimming Championships in London, where she won six gold medals. Her remarkable performances contributed significantly to Great Britain’s overall success at the championships.

Alice competed at the 2024 Paris Games, coming home with a Bronze Medal in the 200m individual medley, Bronze in the 100m butterfly, a Silver Medal in the 400m freestyle, and a Gold in the 100m backstroke.

Alice Tai | Journey of Challenges

Alice’s journey has not been without its challenges. In early 2022, she made the difficult decision to have her right leg amputated below the knee due to ongoing complications and pain from her previous surgeries. This life-changing decision was made to improve her quality of life and allow her to continue competing at the highest level.

Alice made an extraordinary comeback just months after the surgery,  winning a further gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.

Alice Tai | Achievements and Accolades

Alice’s achievements in the sport have seen her awarded various accolades. In 2017, she was appointed an MBE for her services to swimming, and was awarded the Youth Sport Trust Young Sports Person of the Year at the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards.

Then in 2019, she was named The Sunday Times’ Disability Sports Woman of the Year, the Best Achievement in Para Sport at the 2019 Sports Journalist Awards, and became the first para-athlete to be named British Swimming’s Athlete of the Year. The same year, she was nominated for the Laureus Sports Award in the disability category.

Alice Tai | Speaker

As well as professional competing, Alice is a popular keynote speaker, offering inspirational talks to organisations and corporate events.

She shares her inspirational journey and the resilience and determination that has enabled her to achieve so much.

Speaking Topics

– How to Get to the Top

– Overcoming Obstacles

– Sport/Swimming

– Paralympics

– Disability

– Diversity

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book Paralympic Swimmer Alice Tai for your corporate event.

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