5 February 2010

UKA Board member Tanni Grey-Thompson was today appointed to the House of Lords where she will serve as a Crossbench (non-party political) peer.

The accolade follows a number of honours since she retired from competitive action, in 2005 she was made a Dame of the British Empire and most recently she was ranked top woman in the Times Newspaper’s Sporting Power 100 most influential people in British sport today.

With eleven Paralympic gold medals to her name and the new title of Baroness preceding it, Grey-Thompson has cemented herself as the first lady of athletics on and off the track.

UKA Chairman Ed Warner said: “I would like to pass on my warmest congratulations to Baroness Grey Thompson. This is an honour that reflects not only her unrivalled success on the track, but also her commitment to athletics and the Paralympic movement since retiring.

Tanni’s passion and dedication to her sport is obvious to all who meet her and her insight as a former athlete is hugely valuable to the UKA Board.”

Biography:

Tanni was born on 26th July 1969 in Cardiff, Wales

First tries wheelchair racing at St. Cyres Comprehensive School, age 13.

At 18, Tanni is a member of the Bridgend Athletics Club, the British Wheelchair Racing Squad and is selected for her first World Wheelchair Games.

From 1988 – 2004 Tanni racks up eleven paralympic gold medals & six London Wheelchair Marathons.

2005 – Honoured as a Dame of the British Empire

1992, 2000 & 2004 voted BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year