Hannah initially played wheelchair basketball before discovering her passion for racing. She attended a "come and try" day run by UK Athletics, where she fell in love with the speed and freedom of wheelchair racing. A week later, she borrowed a chair from British wheelchair racer Tanni Grey-Thompson.

Paralympic Success

Hannah made her Paralympic debut at the 2012 Games in London, winning gold in the T34 100m and T34 200m events. She continued her success with three titles at Rio 2016 and two more at Tokyo 2020. She aims to win gold in the T34 100m and T34 800m at the 2024 Paris Games.

Training Regimen

Hannah trains six times a week in her race chair and twice a week in the gym. Her winter training involves longer reps and sets, while closer to the season, she focuses on shorter reps to stay fresh for competitions.

Coaching Changes

In 2022, Hannah began working with coach Paul Moseley, whom she had known since her early days at Leeds City Athletic Club. This change came after spending ten years under coach Jenni Banks. The new training methods have been different but beneficial.

Relocation for Better Training

In 2019, Hannah moved from Halifax to Cheshire to be closer to her training base at Kirkby High School in Liverpool. This move was prompted by her silver medal finish in the T34 100m at the 2018 European Championships in Berlin.

Awards and Recognition

Hannah has received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2023, she was named Female Para Athlete of the Year by Athletics Weekly and Disability Sportswoman of the Year at the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards. She was also named Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2022.

Television Aspirations

Hannah hopes to transition into television after her athletic career. She has already presented shows like 'Countryfile' and appeared on 'The Crystal Maze,' 'The Great British Bake Off,' and 'Strictly Come Dancing.' These opportunities have provided a new motivation and a welcome distraction from her athletic commitments.

Personal Life and Influences

Hannah's partner, Nathan Maguire, is also a wheelchair racer who represented Great Britain at the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games. Her first coach, Peter Eriksson, has been a significant influence on her career. Canadian wheelchair racer Chantal Petitclerc is her hero.

Unique Rituals

Before races, Hannah ensures her nails match her kit's colour and eats strawberry laces. Her philosophy is simple: "No one remembers times; everyone remembers medals."

Ambitions for Paris 2024

As she prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Hannah aims to win two gold medals. Despite the pressure and expectations, she thrives on belief and support from fans and peers.

Hannah Cockroft's journey from a young talent to a decorated athlete is inspiring. Her dedication to training, adaptability to coaching changes, and aspirations beyond sports make her a remarkable figure in wheelchair racing.