Niki Birrell

Career

Birrell, who was born with cerebral palsy, began sailing at a young age after being introduced to the hobby by his father. Birrell competed in the 2008 Paralympic Competition in the SKUD 18 two person keelboat class alongside team-mate Alexandra Rickham, where he finished fifth. Birrell was selected to represent Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Paralympics held in London, United Kingdom.

He competed in the SKUD 2-person keelboat event with Rickham, for which they took the bronze medal.

Achievements

• Alongside Alexandra Rickham, he has won four IFDS World Championship titles and in the 2012 Summer Paralympics the pair took the bronze medal in the SKUD 18 two person keelboat class. Between 2009 and 2011 Birrell and Rickham have won four IFDS World Championship titles.