Sarah Storey-an inspiring individual

Sarah Storey is one of Great Britain's most decorated female Paralympians having won a huge number of medals both in the swimming and cycling fields. She is one of the few modern athletes to make the successful transition between sports.

In 2008, just 8 days after winning her second cycling gold medal at the Beijing Paralympics, Sarah also became Great Britain's first ever Paralympian to win the title at a senior able-bodied National Championship event.

As both a swimmer and cyclist, Sarah has travelled the world as an ambassador for disability sport, gaining some 36 gold medals at various championships and breaking 67 world records along the way. Although more than 3 years retired from swimming, Sarah still holds world records in the pool, as well as the 3,000m on the track. Sarah was awarded the MBE in the 1998 New Years Honours List for her services to swimming for people with disabilities.

Focusing on her extraordinary motivation behind her athletic career, from her beginnings as swimmer via her transition to cycling, she has pushed her body to its physical limits and has competed against some of the world's finest athletes. In our interview, she discusses how she broke down boundaries between sports and the importance of taking a fresh approach.

Sarah is in Beijing for the Smart Talk July session held by British Council.

Video: Li Qiao, Huan CAO | Editor: Huan CAO