Meet our Superhero ambassadors
We’re extremely proud to present our intrepid family of ambassadors, whose abundant Superhero spirit has seen them turn many of life’s obstacles into opportunities. By sharing their stories, they hope to give all you budding Superheroes out there the encouragement you need to sign up & find your power!
Founder Sophia Warner
The bionic force behind this epic series is Paralympian Sophia Warner. “I’m thrilled to introduce my ambassadors & my inspiration for the series. Please sign up & join us. I promise you won’t regret it!”
Sophia’s superpower: Energising tenacity.
Jenni, Steve & ‘Tiny Tornado’ Eve
What a privilege it has been to watch our youngest ambassador blossom since our debut event. This cheeky, determined Superhero certainly knows when there’s a crowd watching & took her first-ever independent steps at a Superhero ‘Come & Tri day’ when Channel 4 just happened to be filming her!
“That was the single best moment,” recalls Supermum Jenni who, along with Superdad Steve, is a big lover of sport. “We always intended to be an active family but when we first had Eve, who has an extremely rare chromosome condition & epilepsy, we wondered whether it was still going to be possible. Superhero Series shows that it definitely is!”
You will see Team Williams taking part as a family at every Superhero event & they hope to encourage other families to give it a try alongside them. “These events give everyone an equal chance to experience the true power of sport – the thrill of competing, the camaraderie, the sense of achievement,” says Jenni. “That’s why it’s the best sporting event in the world.”
Tiny Tornado Eve’s superpower: “Determination, cheekiness, an infectious love of life & a nose-crinkling grin that can light up the darkest corners of the universe!”
Jenni’s superpower: “A very well developed Mummy instinct coupled with a grizzly bear-style protective streak.”
Steve’s superpower: “The ability to make Eve laugh in a way that no-one else can.”
Chloe & Stephan
This father & daughter team are nothing short of remarkable. They have completed hundreds of sporting challenges together over the years, ranging from 10km runs & half marathons to duathlons & triathlons, showing what’s possible with the right equipment, support & spirit.
At previous Superhero Tri events, it’s been known for this duo to complete four missions in one day – yes four! – using their super-cool kayak, which Stephan used to tow Chloe for the swim stage, before attaching her racing chair to his bike for the cycle & lastly disconnecting it for the glory push/run home.
“Over the past few years we’ve been encouraging Chloe, who has cerebral palsy, global developmental delay & visual impairment, to wheel herself more & more with me guiding her & she’s loving it!” explains Stephan. “When it’s my turn to pull & push, she keeps me going with her laughter & words of encouragement. She gives me the strength to take on anything.”
Chloe’s superpower: “Inspiration.”
Stephan’s superpower: “Determination.”
Sonic Sofia
It’s easy to spot ‘Team Sofia’ at our events. Kitted out from head to toe in purple, Sonic Sofia & her ever-growing band of great friends & family spread energy & enthusiasm wherever they go.
This special spark has served our sports-mad ambassador well & when she was only two years old she conquered a super-bug. “I contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia, which caused a lot of damage to my right leg & my left leg had to be amputated to save my life,” explains Sofia. “But I don’t let it stop me doing what I love – sport!” Sofia’s many passions include racing on her handcycle, Phoenix & competing at dressage events.
The teen has also smashed countless sporting challenges over the years with her family, fundraising many thousand of pounds for Meningitis Research Foundation along the way. We can’t wait to see what this real-life Supergirl does next!
Sofia’s superpower: “Supersonic sprinting speed.”
Sophie Christiansen
Is there nothing our resident Wonder Woman can’t do? The eight-time Paralympic dressage champion graduated with a first-class Masters in mathematics & juggles her illustrious sporting career with a high-pressure job as a City analyst. She also has two Superhero aliases Ambassador & Celebrity Team Captain!
The highlight of the Series for Sophie is “meeting my amazing competition-winning teammates & their families who all overcome challenges with a smile”. From the look on their faces on event day, the feeling’s mutual!
“We need more events like these where ability, age, gender & disability don't matter – nor how you complete it,” says Sophie. “I love riding my recumbent trike & what sets these events apart is the fact that I can compete alongside my boyfriend, who loves running.
“These events are also great fun & provide me a much-needed release from the stresses of elite sport!” Sophie is currently working hard to secure her place at the next Paralympics, where we’ve no doubt she’ll shine once more. You can join her on her journey at www.sophiechristiansen.co.uk/goldclub.
Sophie’s superpower: “Always striving to be the best I can be.”
Freya
We’re super-pleased to be able to introduce you to the fabulous Freya, who is a shining example of the superpower of sport. Previously quiet & isolated, Freya has found new purpose & confidence since joining her local swimming group, the Tadcaster Stingrays, & taking part in our Superhero events. “This Series has introduced us to a whole new world where no explanations are needed & everyone just gets on with being a part of sport,” says Freya’s mum Kristen. “It’s been a game-changer for us.”
Freya is now one busy Superhero. She’s the proud owner of multiple Stingray medals, is a Special Olympics member, part of two dance clubs, a drama club, volunteers locally and is studying at an academy, where she works on the regular newsletter. She’s also a regular at our events, of course, along with her Sidekick brother.
When asked what she hopes to achieve in this role, Freya says: “To help children to be the best children in the whole world, to get involved in swimming, cycling & running, & to get everyone together.” Now these are goals we can get behind.
Freya’s superpower: “To cycle really fast.” Mum Kristen adds: “Freya's steely determination, not seeing her disabilities as a barrier & her remarkable ability to make everyone feel happy. Her most used phrase is, ‘I can do this!’”
