2x Paralympian, Motivational Speaker, & Resilience Advocate
Photo by Lyndsay Doyle Photography
About
Tammy Cunnington is a 2x Paralympian, motivational speaker, and advocate for resilience.
A survivor of a life-altering plane crash at the age of six, Tammy’s journey to Paralympic success has been marked by grit, perseverance, and a relentless spirit. After the accident, she turned her focus to wheelchair basketball, winning a gold medal at the Gold Cup Championships, and later transitioned to para-swimming. Tammy represented Canada at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, achieving remarkable results, including multiple medals at the Para Pan American Games, the Pan Pacific Championships, and Canadian Nationals. She proved that no obstacle is too great to overcome.
Now retired from elite competition, Tammy is dedicated to inspiring others through her speaking engagements and coaching. As an ambassador for Fast and Female and the Rick Hansen Foundation, she helps others embrace their strength and take on challenges with confidence. Her motto, “Passion = Victory,” drives her to continue pursuing new goals, including traveling, coaching, and even bungee jumping. Tammy’s story is one of transformation, and she continues to inspire individuals worldwide to face their own battles with resilience and determination.
Tammy Cunnington’s story as a 2x Paralympian is a remarkable journey of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity. After surviving a life-changing plane crash at the age of six, Tammy defied all odds and transformed her circumstances into a pathway for athletic success. Starting her journey in wheelchair basketball, Tammy proudly represented Canada, earning a gold medal at the World Championships. Later, she switched to para-swimming, where she continued to excel at the highest levels. Tammy’s dedication led her to represent Canada at both the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
With multiple national and world records under her belt, Tammy’s path to Paralympic glory is an inspiration to anyone overcoming obstacles. Her story stands as a powerful reminder that no matter the setbacks, with grit and determination, anything is possible.
Tammy Cunnington is a motivational speaker whose powerful story of perseverance and mental strength has inspired countless individuals and organizations. Drawing from her own experiences as a 2x Paralympian and survivor of life’s greatest challenges, Tammy delivers keynote speeches that resonate deeply with audiences. Through her engaging and heartfelt talks, she shares the raw, behind-the-scenes moments of her journey—revealing the struggles and triumphs that shaped her path.
Tammy’s speeches focus on the power of resilience, self-compassion, and the relentless pursuit of goals, even when the road is tough. She empowers her listeners to take ownership of their story, face adversity head-on, and show up, even when they feel like giving up. With authenticity and humility, Tammy’s message continues to inspire people to take control of their lives, embrace their challenges, and unlock their full potential.
In her upcoming memoir, Still Fighting, Tammy Cunnington reveals the emotional and physical challenges that shaped her journey from tragedy to triumph. The book captures her evolution from a young girl who nearly lost her life in a plane crash to becoming a 2x Paralympian and world record holder. Through deeply personal anecdotes, Still Fighting highlights Tammy’s relentless fight to not only overcome her physical limitations but to cultivate an unshakable mental resilience that kept her moving forward. It’s a story of setbacks, triumphs, and everything in between—showing that resilience isn’t about being perfect; it’s about getting up every time life knocks you down.
With raw honesty and inspiring vulnerability, Tammy takes readers through her experiences, showing them that no matter how tough the journey, you’re always capable of pushing through and rising again. Still Fighting is more than a memoir—it’s a powerful reminder that the fight isn’t over until you decide to give up, and that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a reason to keep going.
Power on Water
Power On Water offers an inspiring look at the life of world-class Paralympic swimmer Tammy Cunnington. From surviving a life-altering accident at age six to becoming a force in para-swimming, this documentary tells the story of her incredible journey to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.
In 2015, Tammy burst onto the international scene with three medals at the Parapan American Games in Toronto and a seventh-place finish in the 50m freestyle at the IPC World Championships. Despite being left a paraplegic by an airplane accident, Tammy defied expectations, mastering Butterfly and Freestyle swimming in just two years. With personal bests at the 2016 Canadian para-swimming trials, she proved that resilience can turn dreams into reality.
The film showcases Tammy’s perseverance with support from her husband Marty Piffer and others who witnessed her extraordinary journey. Power On Water captures the challenges, the triumphs, and the untold sacrifices Tammy made in her pursuit of Paralympic glory, serving as a powerful reminder that passion, grit, and dedication can overcome any obstacle.
Contact Tammy
- info@tammycunnington.com