Louise Hunt Skelley PLY

Louise Hunt Skelley PLY refuses to let Spina Bifida define her. Despite a life in a wheelchair, she’s been active in sports since age five. Raised in Wiltshire by supportive parents with a ‘just try it’ attitude, Louise lives life to the fullest. She resides in Wiltshire with her husband, fellow Paralympian, Chris Hunt Skelley MBE PLY, married since September 2022. 

Encouraged by her parents, Louise explored various sports before finding her passion for Wheelchair Tennis at Stoke Mandeville. She excelled in Wheelchair Racing, winning seven out of ten London Mini Marathons, an unofficial World Record. 

Focusing on tennis, she competed in Paralympic Games in London 2012 and Rio 2016, reaching 10th in the world rankings. Retiring from competitive sport in 2021 after achieving her career goals, Louise remains active. She commentates at Wimbledon and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, mentors athletes, consults on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and shares her motivational journey as a speaker. Passionate about inclusive language and diversity in sports, Louise’s positive attitude shines through in all endeavours. 

Speaking Topics