Martine Wright is unique and admirable in
every way. After losing both legs in the Circle
line bombing in 2005, she considers herself
lucky. She lives life to the full, with meaning
and focus in a way she never had before the
terrorist attacks that shook London.
That terrifying and life-altering day was one
of the bloodiest in London’s history. With
many dead and injured, and hundreds more
traumatised, Martine pulled through the
horror with a unique outlook that helped her
springboard to new opportunities, including a
successful sporting career.
The long and arduous process of
rehabilitation and rebuilding a life brought
Martine to an exciting chapter – The 2012
London Paralympics. Her life was full of new
purpose and routines, and most importantly,
of hope for a happy future.
As part of the sitting volleyball team, Martine
belongs to a world where inclusivity and team
spirit is the key to success. As a result of her
love of the sport, and of the new meaning her
life holds, she is determined to spread the
word about the advantages that teamwork
and motivation can hold for business.
Making her debut at the 2010 Kent
International against the Paralympic
Champions, China, Martine had no
realisation that she was at the beginning of a
glittering sporting career. She has been
capped over 40 times, and can occupy any
position, including Server, Hitter, Blocker and
Libero. One of her proudest career-defining
moments came when her team beat Canada
at the 2010 World Championships.
Some of Martine’s other achievements since
7/7 are getting married, giving birth to a little
boy, learning to ski and jumping out of a
plane with a parachute on her back! She also
learnt to fly solo after completing a Douglas
Bader Flying Scholarship for the Disabled in
South Africa.
She is also a public campaigner for the
families of the victims of the 7/7 bombings.
In 2010, Martine was awarded the title of
Hertfordshire Sportswoman of the year and
she was named the 2012 Inspirational
Woman of the year in Zest magazine, as well
as being honoured with the BBC Helen
Rollason Award Sports Personality of the
Year in 2012.
She was appointed Member of the Order of
the British Empire (MBE) in the 2016 Birthday
Honours for services to sport.