“Positive thinking will let you use the ability which you have, and that is awesome.” – Zig Ziglar. Talan’s positive attitude and trust in his own abilities have enabled him to become a double world champion. A motorbike accident resulted in paralysis from the chest down but this did not keep Talan away from his favorite activities for long. He has since represented Great Britan in the winter Paralympics and has been crowned World Champion twice in motorbike racing (paralyzed category). Talan tells his story in public speaking engagements to help others facing similar challenges and has set up the charity called The Bike Experience with a goal of helping disabled motorcyclists to get back on the road.

Can you tell us how and when you decided to represent Britain at the Winter Paralympics?T: It was only 12 days after my accident when decided I would attempt to learn to ski, get into the British Team and go to the Paralympics. Most people thought I was unrealistic in my goals, as I was expected to be in hospital for about 2 years due to the severity of my injuries and being a high level (T4) I’d not have the control of the sit ski to become a racer.

What has been your toughest sporting championship and why?T: Getting selected for the Paralympics was incredibly tough. I was struggling physically and mentally to perform well enough to meet the selection criteria set by ParalympicsGB. I qualified for Vancouver2010 on the very last date/race that was possible, after that, if felt a huge weight had been lifted.

What challenges did you face after you met with an accident? What motivated you to face those challenges?T: As a high level paraplegic I have no core stability, so the main challenge was how to control the sit ski without the use of muscles. I gradually developed a shoulder-strap system that allowed me to ski by effectively ‘shrugging’ my shoulders. The desire to prove those (who said I’d never be able to do it) wrong was quite a strong motivator, but the internal passion for being in charge of my own choices was probably the main on.

What inspired you to start your charity “The Bike Experience”?T: The first time I got back on a motorcycle after my paralysis was the best day of my life. I experienced a feeling of freedom and happiness, I completely forgot about being a paraplegic. Reflecting upon the feelings made me realise there had to be others who would benefit from the same feelings, so I decided to help them by setting up The Bike Experience.

What are your other hobbies?T: Apart from skiing and motor-racing (I race both motorcycles and cars), I enjoy: Archery, Sailing, Diving, Travelling, Hand-cycling, Fitness.

How do you usually balance success and setbacks?T: Reflecting upon both successes and setbacks makes you understand the bigger picture and develop as a human being. Whether using success to maintain forward momentum into other challenges, or examining the setbacks to find one positive so that everything becomes a learning experience, taking time to see the events objectively is a very useful process.

Who is your inspiration?T: We don’t need to look externally to find inspiration. We all have a power inside that gives us the resilience we need to keep taking steps forward. I call it ‘the little person inside’, and everyone has it, we just need to trust in ourselves, as it is only you that knows what it is like to be you, and only you will make the important decisions in life. You have the energy and power internally to make the right decisions, you simply need to be believe in yourself.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?T: Show them the opportunities that exist and those who have take those opportunities. Allow them to see just how far anyone can go and encourage them to be the best that they can be.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in sports?T: Chose a sport that you have a passion for, or a sport that you believe you would enjoy. Then practice, practice, practice. Challenge yourself to be the best you can be in that sport, which means focussing on the process and your own performance rather than comparing yourself against others.

Any special message for our community?T: Trust in you own ability. Trust in ‘the little person inside’. We all have the power to achieve and to be the best we can be.