If you have a dream...never give up!: Mark Colbourne at TEDxKingsCollegeLondon

Mark Colbourne MBE is Great Britain's newest Gold medal Paralympian in the sport of cycling. He has gone through hell and back to reach his first Paralympic Games at London 2012 after he broke his back in a near fatal paragliding accident in May 2009. Even though he was left with lower leg paralysis and drop foot in both feet, he fought for 12 months to learn to walk again with walking aids and now prides himself as a full time professional Para-cyclist for his country.

Mark talks about the highs and lows of having a life changing experience and competing on the international stage at the London 2012 Paralympics. In a world where the smallest margins are the difference between winning and losing or living and dying, this man can explain what it takes to not only push our body and mind to their limits in order to achieve your dreams against all odds but also to enjoy to the max life while you can! His motivating style and epic life story uplifts every audience and with his humble approach to life he never fails to leave anyone inspired.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[MOSHAEMUSIC]

Thank you Mark for this inspiring and beautiful story. I myself have a disability and have used it as my strength . I got diabetes at the age of six and in that same year I was given a guitar that I wanted. I continued to practice it day in and day out and tragically my mom who bought me my first guitar died in a car accident when I was 19 years old. I always wanted to do the music and wanted to pursue a music degree. So I searched out of school and found a school in my area. I applied to that school but it was too costly so I wasn't able to attend. The ant who put that first guitar in my lap with living in Seattle and I searched out is school out there and found an audio engineering school. It took me awhile button 2006 I registered at Shoreline Community College to attend there music Technology Program. In 2009 I graduated with honors. I tried to apply it every Studio in the Seattle area but to no avail I couldn't get hired. I was living in a run-down area in the Seattle area that was known for crime and gangs. I was still struggling with my juvenile diabetes that I got when I was 6 years old but I graduated college and thought I can start my own Studio out of my apartment. I ran the studio recorded over 200 people in my little booth met dozens of albums and live there for 10 years while doing that. I ended up doing music cues for television and placed my music on VH1 and bet while recording the world's first Ladino rap album. I've now produced mix and recorded over 10, 000 songs by myself and moved back home to Florida in Pursuit of my dream. It's crazy when I look back at 36 years ago when I was six years old and thinking how life could have been without music. Music saved me. Thank you Mark! Never give up on your dreams. Much love everybody.

[odettalee]

you inspire me. It is not about sports; it is about your focus on what you can and realize your dream. Your dad is forever pleased and proud of you.

[DrSwapnilBhanushali]

true example of life mark. only one word " Great"

[chippytea.]

I met mark yesterday what an amazing champion great to meet you my friend.

[colleenwynia]

I am moved and inspired Mark. I recently made a short video about a client's decision to "Live" when she was leaning to death and letting go. A very different experience to yours, and yet the desire to live and the fight to be here is of similar challenge. You are a dynamo, committed and have so much inspiration to offer others!

[karthikj]

Dream . . .

When you have a dream to achieve and an unconquerable soul that keeps pushing you to defy all odds,

Wear a smile,
Take a deep breath,
Say to yourself - its gonna be alright coz I'll not give up.

When you know what the destination is but you don't know how to reach there -

Wear a smile,
Take a deep breath,
Say to yourself - its gonna be alright coz I'll not give up.

When you can't explain your goal to anyone nor reveal the truth,

Wear a smile,
Take a deep breath,
Say to yourself - its gonna be alright coz I'll not give up.

When you've spent every last dime on your dream knowing that it's still not enough,

Wear a smile,
Take a deep breath,
Say to yourself - its gonna be alright coz I'll not give up.

When all that's left in you is a trust that you'll succeed and not having a clue as to when its gonna happen,

Wear a smile,
Take a deep breath,
Say to yourself - its gonna be alright coz I'll not give up.

When your parents post that unanswerable question, friends doubt your every action, your teammates stop counting on you,

Wear a smile,
Take a deep breath,
Say to yourself - its gonna be alright coz I'll not give up.

When you can feel the loneliness sitting amidst everyone, can't sleep although you close your eyes, keep searching all over not knowing where to find,

Wear a smile,
Take a deep breath,
Say to yourself - its gonna be alright coz I'll not give up.

When you realize the soul purpose of your existence, when none can stop you nor deviate, when you can visualize that very dream come true even in the toughest of times...

Wear a smile,
Take a deep breath,
Say to yourself - its gonna be alright coz I'll not give up.


Because its really gonna be alright and which is more - You'll realize your Dream . . . - Karthik Juvvala

[loucarm]

Your drive and ambition is amazingly inspiring, had tears in my eyes, this has been the most inspirational talk I've seen on not giving up, thank you for sharing your story

[arlinegeorge]

Life works magical mysteries.. With hope in your heart. Faith intention n Persistence. Beautiful impressive amazing inspiring soul. Thank you, bless you, All your dreams come true.

[borishuirem]

Inspiring had tears on my eyes when u talked about ur dad passing away in your absence....i hope he might be very proud of u...best luck for ur Rio Olympics 2016

[amyjones]

If you're looking for a key note speaker for your next event Mark is definitely the guy to book.  I helped organise an event at Bolton Football Club a year or so ago and Mark was the guest speaker.  He is a true gentleman, professional and polite and a real pleasure to work with.  He really held the audience and gave plenty of time for questions and answers too.  

[박용선-bf]

My dream is to improve and develops electronics and AI robot. To be my dream, l try to study hard and make a plan

[FlatStella]

Go MARK!!!!I have a different ob stacle, ,,memory...but I am trying to fight gave me some bumps in life....for now more than 15 yrs . BUT I HAVE A DREAM!!!! THANK

[steffanwilkins]

Amazing Mark.. Great to see this! Was describing you to someone and found your feeds on YouTube, spoke to Kieran he said you're doing well in Dubai? Wow! 😮❤

[wmmcgrailjr]

Don't ever give up on your dreams!

[arohi]

So inspiring! !
Watched the video while sheding the tears ..You are simply GREAT .

[sammycoll]

Mark; You are a " mark " of a man!!!! Superb and really motivational..

[wellbodisalone]

Sometimes you need a bit of ambition to reach your goals. Don't be afraid of taking the next step.
"Don't be afraid of what tomorrow can bring."

[tammyandm.e.]

Our God.... I’m in awe of what you survived, endured, and then achieved. I will never forget you. You are an authentic inspiration. Thank you 🙏🏻

[mychoice]

God bless you. Thank you so much for your speech. Your a huge credit to society.

[renehenriksen]

Well he might be a winner, but would he also have been without the support he speaks of? Without support, food and drink the hero(winner) isn´t much good. No one does it completely alone.