Hannah Stodel

Hannah started sailing at the age of three in a ‘Mirror Dinghy’ at her home club in Brightlingsea, Essex. Despite being born without a lower right arm she is able to adapt different techniques to overcome her disability.

In 1995 she joined the Mirror National Squad which led to many events, including her first World Championships in Ontario, Canada at the age of 12.

In 1998 Hannah was recognised by the Yachting Journalists’ Association for winning the Ladies Mirror National Title and for the filming of a TV advertisement to promote disabled sport and was presented with the prestigious BT ‘Young Sailor of the Year Award’.

At the age of 13, she took part in the ‘Round the Island Race’, one of the premier events in British sailing, with Ellen MacArthur aboard her 60ft trimaran, Foncia Kingfisher.

In 2000 Hannah was selected to trial for one of the Paralympic boats, the Sonar, and in 2001 was selected for the British Paralympic Sailing Squad. In 2003, the team took the European title and were third in the World Championships as well as being picked to compete in the Admiral’s Cup– achievements that led to being selected for the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens where Hannah became the first British woman to sail at such an event finishing in sixth place.

Her team went on to win back to back World titles in 2005 and 2006 and as a result were selected for Team GBs Paralympic team for Beijing again finishing in sixth position.

During 2010 they returned to top form winning the silver medal at the World Championships narrowly missing Gold by 1 point and took the silver in the Paralympic World Cup. In 2011 they won Gold at the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta and won the Sail for Gold regatta in the Paralympic Sailing venue which clinched them the Paralympic World Cup. They went on to win Silver in the World Championships again in the Parlaympic Venue in Weymouth.

In August this year they gained selection to represent Team GB at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

When she is not away competing Hannah trains full time in the Olympic/Paralympic sailing venue in Weymouth. She has also been working with London 2012 delivering Equality and Diversity training with Contractors at the Olympic Venues and has also been working with wounded servicemen in their rehabilitation programmes by encouraging them to participate in Paralympic sport and organising sailing events for them to take part in competitions.

Hannah is also working on a Channel 4 programme to promote Paralympic athletes and London 2012 and is also a BT Storyteller for 2012.

Team Essex Ambassador Duties

• In 2011 Hannah worked with Colchester and Blackwater / Tendring Coastal Schools Sports Partnerships at The Thurstable School
• Started the  Sport Relief Mile at Manningtree school
• Spoke at Essex University at the International Women’s Day
• Presented the prizes at the University of Essex Sports awards dinner
• Worked with artist Damien Robinson for Journey to the Podium 2010

Impact of Award

"Sailing full time has massive financial implications, and without the support of Essex County Council, and the Ambassadors award, its almost impossible to keep the campaign on the road!

Earlier in the year we were faced with the task of getting our boats half way across the world for the start of the World Cup series. Some of the Ambassadors award went towards the huge cost of shipping.

The other part of the award helped towards the costs of our trip to Holland for the IFDS World Championships.

Without the help of the award, we wouldn’t have been able to afford to send the boat to the start of the World cup, in Miami. Not being able to use your own boat is a huge issue, as you get quite attached to your boats, and trust me, they have their own personalities! Having our own boat at the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta allowed us to walk away with the Silver, and let us get off to a great start in the World Cup.

The award also went towards the costs of our entry to the World Championships. This championship is a vital stepping stone towards the London 2012 Paralympic Games, as it’s the first chance for countries to qualify!

The award has allowed me to keep campaigning and it has taken some of the worries away, allowing to focus more freely on the task of training! Also, the opportunities the award has given me to give something back have been very rewarding, its nice to have that chance!

Journey to the Podium

View Hannah’s Journey to the Podium collaboration ‘Chimerascope’ with new mixed media artist Damien Robinson.
 

< Back to profiles