John McFall is a truly inspirational figure, whose life journey spans elite sport, medicine, and the cutting edge of space exploration. After losing his right leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 19, he rebuilt his life with extraordinary determination, going on to achieve global success as a Paralympic sprinter and later as a doctor. Most recently, he made history by being selected for the European Space Agency’s astronaut reserve, the first step towards becoming the world’s first para-astronaut. As a motivational speaker, John is sought after for his powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and refusing to be limited by circumstance.
John’s path to public recognition began in sport. Following his accident in 2000, he took up running again after being fitted with a prosthesis, entering his first race in 2004. Just a year later, he was representing Great Britain at the IPC European Championships, where he won a bronze medal in the 200 metres. His rise continued rapidly – by 2006 he had earned silver and bronze medals at the IPC World Championships. In 2007, he was crowned IWASF World Champion in both the 100m and 200m events, ranked number one in the world for the 200m. His athletic achievements culminated in a bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, firmly establishing him as one of the top Paralympic sprinters of his generation.
Following his retirement from athletics, John pursued a career in medicine. He graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in Medicine and Surgery in 2014 and became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in 2016. His dedication to his new profession was recognised when he was named runner-up in the Queen Alexandra Hospital Junior Doctor Awards in 2018. Alongside his medical career, John has remained a mentor and role model through initiatives like the Paralympic Inspiration Programme, continuing to empower aspiring athletes with disabilities.
Organisations hire John as a motivational speaker because he embodies perseverance, adaptability, and the courage to continually break new ground. Whether addressing challenges in the workplace, sport, or personal life, his story resonates with diverse audiences, proving that obstacles can be transformed into powerful opportunities for growth and achievement.
