From swimming lessons at Hoddesdon pool as a child, to a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games to a gold medal at the Paris Games, plus World and European championship titles to her name, Grace Harvey had a great story to share with us in the Village Hall in Hunsdon on Saturday 6th June.
One guest said: “I found her story enthralling. The detail that she gave us all from how her vision was first born, the intensive training, and an insight into actually competing at Olympic level including behind the scenes was fascinating. Grace delivered her story from her heart and I don’t think I was the only one who was hanging on her every word. What a very brave and inspiring young woman!”
What struck me was the incredible support of her family through the years. There were some golden moments like when she went to her first ever day’s racing with just one towel (they learnt that you need a bagful), and the picture she painted of her inventive lockdown fitness regime, turning their garden into an impromptu gym, all told with great humour and love – and massive energy. I was left with a sense of great admiration for what Grace is achieving, but also appreciation for the love and support of her family, which all culminated in the pool in Paris when all the training and planning came together in the perfect race, earning her that much coveted gold medal.
Well done, Grace, and thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
