Biography
Further Personal Information
NICKNAME
Wiggsy
BIOGRAPHY
A superstar in her sport, Wiggs defended her VL2 gold medal at Paris 2024 and also added a silver in the KL2. The 12-time world champion also competed in sitting volleyball at London 2012. A postgraduate in physical education at the University of Chichester, she hopes to continue until LA28, when she will be 48.
PLACE OF RESIDENCE
Diseworth, England
WHEN/WHERE DID YOU START CANOEING/ KAYAKING?
2013 European Championships Portugal Montemor-o-Velho
REASON FOR TAKING UP THE SPORT
Talent Spotted by British Canoeing & I fell in love instantly with the speed, power and excitement of paracanoe!
NAME OF COACH
Matthew Lawrence (GB)
MEMORABLE SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT
Winning GOLD in Rio 2016 and following it with a historic GrandSlam the next year. Having the opportunity to showcase our amazing sport to the world as we made history.
HERO/IDOL
British rower Steve Redgrave for competing in 5 Olympics back to back
SPORTING PHILOSOPHY/ MOTTO
"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" I try to use every opportunity to #AddValue to myself and people around me & to help them to #UnleashPotential
AMBITIONS
To get more people involved in the sport and to continue to help it progress to become of the most exciting Paralympic Sports on the globe!
Emma would also like to reach Tokyo 2021 and represent GB in both kayak and Va'a making history by hopefully grabbing a couple of medals at another Paralympic Games.
AWARDS AND HONORS
MBE - 2017 for services to Canoeing
Honorary Doctorate from University of Chichester 2016
OTHER INFORMATION
Emma trained as a PE teacher after becoming disabled. She has always loved being in the outdoors and is passionate about the benefits of sport and physical activity. After competing in London 2012 as a sitting volleyballer, British Canoeing changed Emma's life when they offered her a place on their world class programme and transformed her into a world beating athlete, breaking world records and winning world titles year on year. Together with the talented staff team she hopes to be a role model and help the next generation of GB stars take to the water and pursue medals for years to come!
OTHER INFORMATION
Neurological impairment in lower limbs following viral infection
BEST RESULTS
Paralympics: Gold - 1, Silver - 2; World Championships: Gold - 12, Silver - 5.
OTHER SPORTS
Sitting Volleyball - London 2012 Paralympic Games
