Ex-Oaklands College Paralympian’s rise to the top

Four-time Gold medalist winner and former Oaklands Wolves Athletics Academy graduate Olivia Breen has continued to shine on the athletics stage since following her dream at Oaklands College. 

Olivia’s rise has been proudly watched by the college, fellow athletes and academy staff alike, but the story behind her brilliance is an awe-inspiring one. 

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy from an early age, Livvy; fondly nicknamed by those closest to her, was determined not to let her disability define her life and embarked on a career defining pathway which would ultimately see her reach the London 2012 Paralympic Games and go on to win a collection of medals.

Livvy said her cerebral palsy “affects the balance in my legs and arms, but I don’t really feel it when I’m running.”

“I feel really happy when I run, I think to myself, I’m going to get to that finish line and win!”

It was this mentality and determined attitude which helped Livvy shine on the World stage and one that she still embodies today.

Unsurprisingly, Livvy has gone on to achieve five Bronze, one Silver and four Gold medals at the age of just 22 across four different Olympic sports including women’s 4x100m relay, long jump, 100m and 200m sprints.

Notably, Breen was part of the T35-38 relay team, which included Bethany Woodward, Sophie Hahn and Jenny McLoughlin, helping her team set a new British record of 53.84, another testament to Livvy’s professionalism and determination.

Whilst training for the upcoming 2019 athletics season, Oaklands College will continue to champion the incredible success stories of yet another successful Wolves Academy alumni member!