Hello everyone, Emma Wiggs here. You might know me as a 12-time world champion and 3-time Paralympic gold medallist in paracanoe. But beyond the medals, there's a deep-seated passion that fuels my sporting success: STEM.
From childhood, I was fascinated by how things work. That curiosity has been part of my life ever since and one of the reasons why I’m so excited to be part of the judging panel for this year’s Big Bang Competition as I firmly believe that STEM is for everyone who has ever wondered ‘why?’.
For me, STEM and sport are inseparable. Every paddle stroke I take, every weight I lift in the gym relies on scientific principles. Understanding hydrodynamics, biomechanics, and environmental factors is crucial for peak performance. The technology behind my equipment—from the carbon fibre paddle to the ergonomic seat—is a testament to STEM's power. It's about pushing boundaries and finding that extra edge.
The technology behind my equipment—from the carbon fibre paddle to the ergonomic seat—is a testament to STEM's power. It's about pushing boundaries and finding that extra edge.
— Emma Wiggs, MBE
My journey through becoming disabled and going on to win world titles and 3 Paralympic golds hasn't been easy. I've faced setbacks, but I've learned that resilience is as vital as physical strength. It's about engineering your mindset, like designing a bridge to withstand pressure. Identifying weaknesses, finding solutions, and building a stronger foundation—that's how I approach challenges.
Determination has always underpinned my actions every day. Take opportunities to try new things, setting your sights high and refusing to give up. This drive pushes me to train harder, analyse my performance, and constantly strive for improvement.
I'm passionate about inspiring the next generation of STEM enthusiasts. I believe everyone has the potential for greatness. By sharing my story, I hope to show that curiosity, resilience, and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. I’m excited to see the projects that you will all come up with, just embrace the challenge, see the opportunity to test yourselves and do things that not many people do!
Whether your passion lies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or sports, embrace your curiosity, persevere through challenges, and always push your limits.