We choose our destiny: inspiration from the Paralympics

Originally published 29 August 2012

As I sit and watch the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics, a moment just captured something special for me.

Roll back to 6 July 2005. Crowds thronged Trafalgar Square and celebrated as London was given the opportunity to host the Olympics and Paralympics this year. The next day a woman was caught up in the awful explosions that ripped apart our city and killed many who were remembered in the London 2012 opening ceremony (shamefully cut out by NBC in their coverage for the US). 

And that woman, Martine Wright, lost both her legs in the explosion on the circle line. 

Now, tonight in London, she parades as a Paralympic athlete, about to represent Team GB in the sitting volleyball, a committed and dedicated athlete. Hearing her interviewed while waiting to go into the stadium she said: Fate is what happens to you, destiny is what you chose to do with it’.

We all face choices every day – fortunately rarely as stark as the choice facing Martine. Just imagine who we could be if we brought that power and energy to all we do. Truly, nothing would be impossible.

So what if, what if you knew you were in control of your destiny? What would you do then?