052: Nik Diaper on the impact of Parasport

This year we have the Olympic games – the World’s biggest sporting event. But in quick succession is the Paralympics, now the third largest sporting event. Some quip that the Olympics is the warm-up or the test event for the Paralympics. Well this week’s guest is one of the greatest stalwarts and servant of the Paralympics, my good friend and close colleague Nik Diaper. It’s difficult to overstate the impact that Nik has had on the domain of disabled sport, from the days when frankly very few people were interested, through to it becoming not only respected, but revered. In this interview I discuss with Nik what drew him to parasport, what resonated with him and what has endured. Nik shares his perspectives on why disability sport has caught the imagination of sports fans, general public and global audiences alike. He shares his search for meaning amongst some of life’s broader questions and why what he does can add value to society. Now I cycle most weekends with Nik and he is a quality athlete, which I know to my suffering. This interview was in many ways like how he rides – unfussy, humble, deliberate in delivering a powerful effect. Show notes: Nik discusses his sporting history in Kenya Moving to the US to pursue his swimming dream The move to Manchester Nik had no intention of pursuing a career in Paralympic sport Entering Para sport and feeling completely out of his depth Accessibility The Paralympics 2020 and the step change in perception for disability sport What made London so successful and it’s legacy? What does it mean to be disabled? - the debate! What were the reasons for sticking with Paralympic sport if it wasn’t your first choice? Stand out para moments for Nik Technological advances in para-sport and the ramificationsTokyo 2020 What more needs to be done and Nik’s hopes and ambitions?   Links: Nik on Twitter https://twitter.com/nik_diaper Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/ A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/ If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/ or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.