S1 Ep21: Bebe Vio on defiance

Bebe Vio. The Rising Phoenix...

One of the most recognisable Paralympians of all-time is the guest for the final episode of the series. 

Contracting meningitis aged 11, Vio had both arms amputated and both legs from the knees down. Today, she is a Paralympic great and one of the faces of the Movement. It’s a position driven by her incredible defiance and ability to challenge perceptions. 

“They used to tell me it was impossible. 'You cannot do that because you have a disability, you cannot do that because of your prosthetics.'," she explains.

"Every time I find this situation, is the moment I really enjoy it, because I must do that. I'm gonna do that. Maybe I need much more time and tries, but it's the moment I wake up so much and I say 'OK, I must do that.'” 

Vio also discusses the Netflix sensation Rising Phoenix, a film charting the phenomenal history of the Paralympic Games through the lives of the athletes who make it one of the greatest events on earth. 

Other topics include Vio’s non-profit organisation Art4Sport, carrying the Paralympic Torch and dinner in the White House with Barack and Michelle Obama.  

The episode with Bebe Vio is the final episode of the series. If you’ve enjoyed what you heard, please leave a review of the series on a podcast platform of your choice. 

Learning topics for this episode include defiance, pushing boundaries, personal development and resilience. 

Allianz is a long-standing partner of the International Paralympic Committee. Together, we’re proud to bring you A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics. We aim to help you move forward in all aspects of your personal and professional life. 

By hearing from Paralympic stars, you’ll be introduced to stories that inspire and change the way you think. Stories of facing life’s challenges with confidence, determination and excellence, and the true power of having the right team behind you.