“Positive thinking will let you use the ability which you have, and that is awesome.” - Zig Ziglar. Danielle was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) as a teenager. She kept a positive attitude and with determination pursued her love of sports by smartly acclimating and mastering the new skills of archery. She is a double Paralympic gold medalist in archery and is a three-time World Champion. She is an author of the children’s book “The Boy Over The Road”. Danielle has won numerous prestigious awards such as Women of the Future Award in the sports category and was awarded a MBE for services to archery.

How and when did you start taking interest in archery? Why did you choose this sport?D: I started archery on my fifteenth birthday because my disability stopped me from taking part in all the sports I loved playing. I have a condition called CRPS in both my feet, which is incredibly painful and means my movement is limited. Archery didn't involve lots of running around or walking so I thought it was something I could do, and playing with bows and arrows sounded very exciting!

What was your most memorable moment from your Paralympic archery championships? What kind of discipline is required in this sport to achieve success?D: Winning in London 2012! I was under so much pressure out there to retain my Paralympic title, and I was so relieved I managed to pull it off! It was also a huge honour to represent my country on home soil, and to have my family and friends in the crowd made it really special. It takes a lot of hard work and mental discipline to achieve success, but most of all having belief in yourself that you can do it.

What inspired you to write the children’s book, “The Boy Over The Road”? Who should read this book?D: I am the co-founder of an inclusive sports organisation, 4 All, which was created to provide opportunities for everybody regardless of ability or background. During our first mixed ability event we recieved some very interesting feedback from some of the mainstream children: 'Disability is scary.' By lunchtime, after taking part in archery and fencing, sport had done its job of breaking down those barriers. Everybody sat together as they ate their lunch, helped each other out and were all talking very loudly. It was a beautiful thing to watch.
We wanted to create a wider education piece around disability and autism, using story books to provide strong role models with a real focus on ability rather than disability. The Boy Over The Road, the first book in the series, has been designed to introduce children aged 3-6 years to disability and autism. This easy-to-read, fully illustrated book covers themes of acceptance and inclusion, showing how great things can happen when we celebrate differences and work together.

Can you tell us about your involvement as an ambassador for disability awareness?D: Disability awareness is something I'm very passionate about. I thoroughly enjoy my role as a mentor, working with people with various disabilities to help them live their life to the best of their ability. It's so rewarding when you get these amazing breakthroughs and really see them develop in confidence. And the work that I do through 4 All is amazing, where we create truly inclusive communities and use sport as a positive vehicle for change.

What kind of challenges did you face during school days? How did you overcome those challenges?D: It was difficult getting around school and sometimes the school day, but I set myself some really strong goals which motivated me to keep going. Growing up I wanted to be a lawyer, and this kept me focused and made me ask the question: how can I do this? I also had a great support team around me who could help, especially when I had to keep missing lessons for hospital appointments.

Who is your inspiration?D: I was inspired by Cherie Blair, who was the Prime Minister's wife. She was also a very good lawyer, and I remember my dad telling me that she earned more than her husband, who was the most influential man in the country at the time. I remember thinking, 'if she can do it, so can I'. She was actually my inspiration to study law, which I did at University and came away with a first class degree.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?D: This is a really difficult question because I love travelling, and the benefits of being an athlete was I got to see quite a lot of the world. I can't narrow it down, but I do love Europe. You don't have to travel far to experience completely different cultures, languages, histories and the food is AMAZING!

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?D: When I was an athlete I didn't get to see much of my family and friends because my training had to come first, so when I do get to see them it's great to catch up and find out what they have been up to. Meals out are probably my favourite.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to learn a new sport?D: Choose something that you enjoy doing. Sport is great fun and there is a sport out there for everybody. When you find something that you're really passionate about, then you're much more likely to stick with it and learn as much as you can to get better.

Any special message for our community?D: For me, life is about staying positive and finding the things that you love and are passionate about! A disability doesn't have to be a barrier to achievement - there is always a way around, it sometimes just takes a bit of creativity and thinking out of the box.