Liam McGarry is a British Para Powerlifting athlete, world record holder, and motivational speaker whose story of resilience and determination has inspired audiences worldwide. A silver medallist at the Manchester Para Powerlifting World Cup and competitor at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Liam exemplifies how strength extends far beyond the physical. His journey from rehabilitation to representing Great Britain on the international stage demonstrates the power of mindset, perseverance, and the ability to turn adversity into purpose. As a speaker, he shares practical lessons on motivation, diversity, and mental resilience, empowering others to overcome their own barriers and perform at their best.
Liam’s career in elite sport began after he was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare condition that affected his mobility and changed the course of his life. Instead of allowing this to define him, he channelled his energy into powerlifting, entering the Great Britain Powerlifting Development Pathway in 2018. That same year, he won gold at the Spinal Unit Games with an impressive lift of 137.5kg, marking the start of a remarkable competitive journey. His dedication and discipline quickly propelled him to national prominence, culminating in winning both the British and English Powerlifting Championships in 2019.
His success continued on the international stage. In 2020, Liam claimed bronze at his first international event before setting a new British record of 210kg at the 2021 Dubai and Manchester World Cups, where he also secured a silver medal. He lifted 215kg at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and achieved a personal best of 230kg in Tbilisi to qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where he proudly represented Great Britain and reached a new personal best lift of 232kg. Alongside his athletic career, Liam is studying Sports Psychology and Coaching Sciences at Bournemouth University, combining academic insight with lived experience to promote performance and wellbeing.
Liam is hired as a speaker because his journey perfectly embodies achievement through adversity. His experiences of overcoming injury, building mental strength, and thriving under pressure give him a unique perspective on resilience and motivation. Whether addressing corporate audiences or sporting professionals, Liam’s authenticity and passion leave a lasting impact, showing that true strength lies in the courage to rise after every challenge.
The High-Performance Speakers Agency is the UK’s leading bureau for teamwork, leadership, and marginal gains speakers. We hire speakers for corporate conferences and events across the world and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes sportspeople, business leaders, adventurers and more, to ensure audiences of all industries receive tailored, impactful advice on optimised performance.