your comments
Rob J Doherty
I was lucky enough to be sat on the same table as Tanni at a wedding in Usk! Very modest and nice to chat to! Even agreed to a photo. Thanks Tanni.
John Mckinlay, Largs, Ayrshire
Tanni you put other people to shame. Good luck what ever you do.
Derek Tamea
It has been my condsiderable privilege, not once, but on two occasions, to photograph Tanni for two exhibitions of mine which depict the role that women play in today's society. What everyone says is so right, she is a wonderful and inspiring young woman.
Ellie from Cheshire
Tanni is obviously really talented and has really inspired me!! Good luck and best wished Tanni!!
Sheila Pritchard from Barry
Two years ago I was diagnosed with chronic osteoporosis and now unable to walk far without the aid of a wheelchair but have to have someone to push me. Then I think of Tanni and she has inspired me no end - she has so much courage and when I see her winning and all the training she does brings a lump to my throat. She deserves every award and honour going. I wish her and family the very best for the future - she will be sorely missed.
Kris Jones www.eastwaleshurdles.co.uk
A true legend. I remember meeting Tanni many years ago before she was the icon of today. A great person who gives a lot. Good luck for the future.
Grace Tutty from Limerick, Ireland
I am doing you for my school project because I saw you compete in your last race and you really inspired me. Well Done!!!
Linda Smithson, Blackpool
It was a privilege to meet you and your family in Manchester, Tanni. I feel proud and privileged to have followed your magnificent career and to be there at your last race. You left us with heart felt thoughts Tanni and wonderful memories. Thank you so much. Good luck in the new career!!! I will miss you.
Mike from Truro
As pensioner, seafarer & long retired amateur athlete, may I thank you for the many occasions I have watched you achieve your fantastic records - and for your support to my "Old Firm" - The RNLI.
Brad - Australia
As good as any, and better than most. Well done girl, on a splendid career. Hope to hear more on your future.
Chris Bennett from Glossop
I think that Tanni is the best, both in her chosen sport and as a wheelchair user. Thank you Tanni for all the enjoyment that you have given to millions of people around the world.
Joan Rees, Aberdare
Well done Tanni! Admire you greatly.
Philip Glynn, Newtown, Powys
I met Tanni when she started the Santa Run in Newtown. Wonderful polite person who meets the crowds, as a star she is so real and down to earth. As a Brummie I say, gud on yer gal.
Lisa Madigan (Maddy), Penarth
I wish you good luck in Manchester Tanni and please write a book about yourself, I would buy your book. You show disabled-non disabled people what sport is all about. I know you're retiring from sport. I have an interest in sport playing Bocca and I've been selected to play for the Welsh team which I'm delighted about. Good luck and well done over your years in sport.
Norman Sweeting, Hetton-le-hole, Tyne & Wear
Met Tanni at a house warming party next door to where we live in Hetton-le-hole. What a lovely person she is, no air and graces as they say. She made my night as it Tanni was the last person you would expect to meet in Hetton. All the best in your retirement from competition and good luck for the future.
George Wiiliamson, Falkirk, Scotland
Being in a 'chair myself after contracting MS under 10 years ago, Tanni gives all of us who need a prod a very welcome one. We may be "disabled" but WE ARE NOT STUPID.
I only learned one good Welsh phrase - "CYMRU AM BYTH".
Hazel Cushion
Not only is she a great althlete but she's written an inspirational book as part of the Quick Reads series called Aim High. I've just read it and it was great - all the highs and lows of her career.
Clive P White. Cardiff.
Although I have never met Tanni it has not stoped me from being a fan of hers. I have watched her on BBC Television time and time again. Tanni is up there with the very best in Welsh sport - she will be missed by those in Sport and out of it. Her retiring goes with my best wishes to her and her family. I hope she gets everything she wishes for in 2007 and beyond. Best Wishes Tanni.
Lisa Madigan, Penarth
I've always been inspired by Tanni and I use to go to Stoke Mandevile, with my school (Cedar School) to compete in the games. Tanni was a few years older than me, but Tanni always found time to talk to people disabled or non disabled. Tanni should have a celebration show and something built or named after Tanni. Tanni doesn't let her disability get in the way and it goes to show, that people with disabilities are good at sports. Well Done Tanni.
Liz Morgan from Cardiff
Tanni is a wonderful representative for Wales and a role model for those who seek to overcome any disadvantage in life. I remember meeting her in Whitchurch Village one afternoon out shopping !!
Carys
Tanni's determined to show the public that it is not a disability to be disabled!
Josh Ainsworth
I have just don a project about a hero and I chose Tanni. She is one of the best althletes I know and she is so inspiring to younger disabled children and non-disabled people as myself.
Sophie Parker from Hartlepool
Tanni was a guest speaker at a presentation evening I was at in 2004. When I went up to collect my certificate I shook her hand - this was amzing for me because I have always followed her. Afterwards the final of the 2004 games was shown and she gave a speech. She moved everyone and it will stay with me for the rest of my life. What an amazing woman!!
Amy, Scotland
I have just done a hero project in RE and I did Tanni. I think she is really fascinating and inspiring. I am hoping to get a good level as her achievements are A LOT to speak about!
Paul Williamson from Hirst High School, Ashington
I went to a sporting conference today in which Tanni was a guest speaker. Her achievements are unbelievable and I was surprised by her vibrancy and inspirational views on sport. A true heroine in her field. Thank you Tanni!
Sarah
I knew Tanni many years ago when competeing myself. I even shared a dormitory with her at Stoke Mandevile sports centre. With grit and determination and the right management you can go far and she has all 3. She's loved by all and good luck to her in her positive life and her so much loved daughter's life.
Becky Jones from Flintshire
I think Tanni Grey-Thompson is a wonderful woman and I think she is outstanding in whatever she does. She has inspired me to work hard through tough things and help me believe that I'm not useless, and now I play sport! Keep going Tanni and help those other people too!
Olympia Z. from Hawaii
I think Tanni is a great inspiration to everyone disabled or not. I am proud to do my project about someone as great as her.
Georgina from london
i think that Tanni is a real star! even though she is disabled she had overcome all her dreams and i am really proud og her! goood luck for your future! hope you do well! best wishes xxx
Hannah Fields from Abergavenny
Tanni Grey-Thompson is a legend. She is not afraid to be the best she can be despite her unfortunate disability. Many of us look up to her and I feel proud to say I'm Welsh when people think of her. Keep doing your thing Tanni!
R from Surrey
My whloe year is doing this project called e learning day and we have to chose 3 olympic stars and write down why we like them and why we think they are the best I chose Jesse Owen Tenly Albright and Tanni Grey-Thopson cause i think u r da best
Bryn Hafren Yr 12 Welsh Class
Dyn ni'n meddlw bod Tanni yn wych!!!!
Cymru am byth!!!!
Owen
I'm proud to say I know Tanni personally, and her father lives opposite my house. She's a great person in real life, and a real inspiration.
Olivia Phillips
i think she is so great because she proved so many people wrong. she has broken 30 world records and lives right here in Redcar.
Gemma, Manchester
I think that Tanni is such a brave person, and I cudn't believe my eyes when I read that about where she couldn't collect her award because there was no ramp that is a JOKE!! She's an inspiration to disabled people who want to play sport and enjoy it and not get teased as she doesnt shes VERY SUCCESSFUL!! Well done Tanni.
Steph Cheetham and Jenny Carter, Wigan
we are going to do a school project on her because we admire her sooo much!
Kirsty Smith from England
Tanni is great because she is not ashamed of her disability and she sets an example to other people that they should be proud of their disability because they're different and unique.
Holly, Cheltenham
She is fantastic!!!!
Brian Murphy - Liverpool
It was a pleasure meeting you in Sefton Park, on Saturday 16/7/05. It is a memory I shall never forget and thank you for giving me so much of your time!
Philip Wright, Bedfordshire
I am proud of the fact I have interviewed her. It was on a postal communication basis.
She is better for society than anyone I can think of.
Branwen Huws from Llanfairpwll Ynys Mon
For my Welsh literature GCSE exam, I have had to pick a topic to talk about, and three people that have inspired me to talk about it. I am going to talk about how sport celebrities influence us young people. I have picked Mark Hughes - the Welsh football ledgend, Lance Armstrong - an amazing cyclist worldwide, and Tanni Grey Thompson. She is such an inspiration to the young and disabled, and should be considered one of the best sporting athlete ever. I am glad that she can wave the Welsh flag and has tried to learn the welsh language - and am proud to be welsh as she does so. Thank you so much Tanni, for being my inspiration. Cymru am byth.
Paopou from Destiny Islands
Tanni is such a brave woman and I'm so happy for her to be doing sport she wants!!!!! At my school we have 2 research about her and this has been a big help. Live life as you want.
Sandeep from Madras(India)
Tanni has reiterated that it's your attitude and positive thinking that scales your altitude and not your phsical ability or rather I would say inability. Tanni is "simply the best". Hats off to Tanni
Stephen Read age 7 from Thatcham
After taking part, albeit as a Race Marshall in the recent Reading Half Marathon 2005, I was overawed by the speed in which Tanni completed the course. I was proud and felt privilaged to be given the opportunity to present her with her medal. It is a memory that I shall never forget.
L.B Abergavenny
I am doing a project about Tanni's life. I find her an inspiration to everyone and her sheer will-power. Luv ya Tanni
Anonamys 13 yr old from Cardiff
I think Tanni Grey-Thompson is great and is an inspiration to anyone wanting to go far in sports!I've just done a school project on her, and I'm glad I was allowed to do her!
Simone Clent
Tanni is sooooooooooooooooooooooooo cool. I had to do her for my ICT project and i just loved finding out about her AMAZING life...she is an idol to many and is firmly in the hearts of the nation!!
e.s. from chelmsford
she's the best
Mark White, Cardiff
No one deserves this recognition more than she does. She is an inspiration for young people everywhere, whether they be able or disabled.
Sarah Docherty from Edinburgh
Tanni's brilliant, I have to write about a woman who I most admire for an English Essay and Tanni was my first thought!
James York from Peterborough
After meeting Tanni Grey-Thompson at our school awards day I think everyone will go away with motivation. No other person is as commited as Tanni and it shows in what she has achieved.
Harriet Emily from Bristol
I had to pick someone to write about that inspired me for my German GCSE. Because Tanni is so brave and committed, I picked her. Thank you for giving me so many great achievements to write about....x x
Holly from Bolton
I think Tanni is realy brave because she races in most races. I am doing a project in R.E and we have to choose an athlete from the Paralympics. I've chsen Tanni because she is the BEST!!!
Abbie Tilt
Tanni Grey Tomson is a great girl who did all she could to win the athletics and that's why I think she's great!
Kelsey from Maesteg
In my mind Tanni is the greastest. She has accomplished so much in her life and even though she is disabled she doesn't act like it - she acts like there is nothing she cannot do. Tanni really is a champion!!!! xXx Luv ya Tanni xXx
Katie from Kent
Tanni is in my mind a person of outstanding beauty, she brings inspiration into disabled people's lives...she does a great job in what she does!! Tanni, you're the bravest person I've ever seen. Keep them smiles coming in!! Love ya Tanni X
Stephen Jones from Pontypridd
Tanni Grey-Thompson is an example to us all of how the human spirit can rise to an overcome obstacles set before us. She has to be up there amongst the greatest of all Welsh Women.
Bruce Kennedy from Rhoose
Tanni is a shining example of will and determination in the face of personal difficultes. She puts able bodied people to shame and is a beacon of hope for all who wish to attempt to achieve but doubt themselves.
Good luck Tanni
Matt Lloyd from Swansea
Tanni is an inspiration to everyone. Her attitude to life is simple - to be the best and always strive for your dreams. It's all to easy to put barriers in the way of achieving your potential, something Tanni more than any other sportsperson has done. Her sheer guts, determination and hard work has seen her achieve more than most of us can dream but Tanni has taught us that anything is possible and the only barriers we face are the ones we place in front of ourselves. She should be rewarded not just by BBC Wales but by the Queen, the whole of Wales and UK. Why she didn't get a ceremony in Cardiff I'll never know!!! Good luck and thanks for inspiring me and thousands of others.
Stephen Burns from Cardiff
Once again, even in a column devoted to her, she is called, 'Britian's most succesful wheelchair athlete'. How many other Olympians, in wheelchairs or not, have won 11 gold medals? None. Steve Redgrave rightly was honoured for winning less than half what Tanni has. So where is her medal? The woman has inspired more than she will know with her brilliance.
J from Brightlingsea
Tanni Grey-Thompson, I think is a great athlete. I am in Grey Thompson house at school and my head of house got an email from Tanni Grey-Thompson's secretary saying good luck for a mile run we were doing for Sport Relief.
Bob from Sussex
Tanni is a brave woman and she has inspired me to do new things.
Lucy Morgan from Worcester
I love Tanni. I think she is so brave doing what she does.
Orla Carmody from Peterborough
It's brilliant how Tanni supports events such as Rememberance Sunday, and is not 'above' minor races. She raced today in a 5-mile race at Boston in honour of the date. It was a pleasure meeting her.
Jacy from Sussex
I think Tanni must be really brave to go through that....One of the houses at my school is even named after her! She has inspired me to work hard in P.E. Thank you Tanni!
Our most successful wheelchair athlete
