Polly's Career
Polly Williamson is an award-winning event rider with multiple gold medals whose career was dramatically altered after a life-threatening brain injury, caused when a horse she was training became frightened and struck her in the head. Although the recovery was extremely challenging, she has since turned her journey into an inspiring account of determination, mental toughness, and rebuilding her life, often speaking about how she rediscovered her inner strength.
From a young age, Polly showed outstanding natural talent in equestrian sport. At only 18, she was chosen for her first European Championships, where she achieved an impressive double gold medal success. She went on to add four further European gold medals and two national championship titles, while also competing at elite level throughout Europe and Australia. Alongside her sporting success, she established a successful equestrian training and horse production business, working with international clients and developing riders at the highest level across Great Britain and Europe. Her reputation in the sport also led to high-profile sponsorship agreements with leading global companies, reflecting her standing within the equestrian world.
Polly's Story of Resilience and Recovery
Polly’s life changed permanently after she sustained a serious traumatic brain injury. She was forced to close her successful business, and the impact on her family life was deeply significant, leaving her struggling with a strong loss of identity. Damage to neural pathways led to a major decline in self-confidence and self-esteem, and she had to draw on exceptional resilience and determination to begin rebuilding her life.
Her recovery over the course of a decade from coma to regaining a full and meaningful life was filled with significant challenges. She had to relearn basic functions such as speaking, walking, and thinking clearly, all while reconstructing her sense of self. Using the same determination that drove her success in equestrian sport, she chose to adapt to her changed
Speeches Polly Can Deliver
- Resilience and grit: We are stronger than we think; the tools and strategies we can all use to build resilience and strengthen our perseverance. The importance of goals and the key points used to break down targets and follow success.
- Working positively with change: Gold medal winning sportsperson to living with brain injury. Take the positives and secure a strong path forwards.
- The positives of the Neuro diverse: For any business people thinking differently is a huge advantage. Cognitive diversity. Brain patterns that don’t always conform allows the possibility of thinking outside the box. The ability to encourage new and unfettered thinking can make any business or organisation great and the neuro diverse mind must have something to offer in this equation.
- Securing a winning identity: Brain injury washed away any identity. How to secure an identity alongside regaining former strengths.
Publications & Other Work
A published author, Polly documents her experience in her book “Where Did I Go?: Rediscovering My Identity, Lost After a Traumatic Brain Injury”, providing an honest, personal, and at times humorous reflection on her journey. The book offers readers a close insight into life after brain injury and the process of rebuilding identity and purpose.
Alongside her writing, she is committed to giving back through voluntary work. She has supported Barnardo’s, helping young children, and regularly assists each week with the Riding for the Disabled Association, contributing to therapeutic riding activities. She is also a regular speaker for the charity Headway, where she raises awareness and advocates for individuals living with brain injuries and similar long-term challenges.
