Aled Davies Inspires at Bluerock-ed

Photographing Welsh Paralympian Aled Davies

One of the perks of photographing business and hospitality events is that I get to meet and talk with amazing people. And it was a real privilege to photograph Aled Davies MBE, the Welsh Gold-medal winning Paralympian.

A Bluerocked business development event with guest speaker Aled Davies

Aled was speaking at an event organised by the Bluerock-ed Business Development Group. Bluerock-ed is an exciting business development group, aimed at top level entrepreneurs and executive managers, and targeted at helping them to exceed expectations, achieve their full potential and drive their business to future success. I have had the good fortune to photograph several of their events with speakers including Wales and British Lions Coach, Rob Howley and Dr Paul T Thomas, ex-Chairman of Sports Wales.

As I massive sports fan, I was really excited by the prospect of meeting Aled Davies. His achievements in the F42 Shot Putt and Discus have been incredible and, after hearing him speak, I am sure that there are more championship medals to be won.

His performance record is very impressive and includes:

  • Gold – F42 Shot Putt in Rio Paralympics
  • Gold – F42 Discus in London Paralympics
  • 4 World Championship Golds
  • 4 European Championship Golds

Aled talked about his sporting career and the building blocks that he had put in place to achieve his goals. It never ceases to amaze me how much commitment and focus is needed to succeed in sport. No matter how much natural talent and ability a person has, they still have to apply and work exceptionally hard. When you also have a disability, the size of the challenge multiplies.

The same could be said of business. To succeed a business person needs to be focused with clear goals.

Aled explained that during his career he had changed coaches and training routines, to ensure that he continued to develop as a sports person. None of these changes were easy, but they did result in improvements.

The business audience was mesmerised. Not only was Aled Davies a multi-Gold medal winning Paralympian, but he was also a very grounded and lovely guy. He spoke with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. His enthusiasm for his sport was almost infectious and I wondered whether, at the age of 51, I should think about taking up the Shot Putt. Maybe it is best if I will stick with photography.

After the event, I think that everyone in the room went away inspired.

Photographs from the events can be seen in the Business Events section on my website.

Paul Fears is an industrial and commercial photography based in South Wales. For more information or to discuss a specific photography project, please contact Paul on:

Tel: 07909 103789 or 01443 207773

Email: paul@paulfearsphoto.co.uk

Via the website