In 2017, a seemingly innocuous late-night fast food treat turned Lizzi Jordan’s world upside down, propelling her into an unexpected journey of self-discovery and athletic ambition.
Lizzi, then 19 and an undergraduate studying psychology at Royal Holloway in London, endured the unfortunate fate of encountering a particularly virulent E. coli infection. The illness thrust her into a life-threatening coma, snatching her sight upon awakening, and set the stage for what would be her incredible fight back to life and sports.
Now, the Guildford native has traded the depths of despair for the thrill of competitive sports, with her eyes set firmly on the Paris Paralympics with the British Para-cycling team.
In a heart-to-heart with Sport News Center, Jordan recounted her harrowing ordeal. “I was extremely sick,” she explained. “My body went into multiple organ failure, and there were moments my family braced for the worst. But the doctors’ intervention with a novel, costly medication pulled me out of the coma. Coming to grips with the loss of my vision was a frightening reality check.
“Returning home blind, I was at a crossroads, facing a life in darkness. The world as I knew it was through my eyes – my connection to everything. I was left with a choice: wallow in self-pity or sculpt a new existence for myself, possibly achieving feats I might not have pursued otherwise.”
Her resolute spirit propelled her to conquer the 2019 London Marathon, where she collected £15,000 for the RNIB, proving to herself and the world that her will remained unbroken, even if her body had been tested.
Alongside teammates like Matt Rotherham and Neil Fachie, and guided by Amy Cole, Jordan claimed gold at this year’s World Championships in Glasgow in the mixed tandem sprint category, adding a tandem kilo bronze medal to her accolades.
Helen Scott, a Paralympian and a titan in tandem piloting, praised Jordan’s innate talent. “In my 15-year athletic career, I’ve not seen anyone as naturally gifted as Lizzi, who’s surpassed where I stood after only three years. She’s the epitome of diligence and straightforwardness – qualities that elevate her as an athlete,” Scott asserted.
For Jordan, every day is an adventure in adapting, as she masters the art of navigating the world without sight. “Life without sight means relying on others or mastering the use of a white cane, which I’m currently training for – a game-changer for me,” she remarked.
The initial loss of independence hit Jordan hard, clashing with her self-sufficient nature. “It was a blow to my pride to seek help,” she admitted. “But over six years, I’ve come to terms with it. The Para-sport community has been my sanctuary, where mutual support and encouragement thrive. It’s where I learned to celebrate my capabilities, not the limitations.”
Jordan reflects on her growth since the fateful day. “I believe I’ve evolved into someone better – more willing to embrace new challenges, more open to stepping out of my comfort zone, and more likely to experience life’s offerings fully than ever before. It’s in the unease of the unknown that I’ve discovered my true potential.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lizzi Jordan Paralympian
What happened to Lizzi Jordan in 2017?
In 2017, Lizzi Jordan suffered a severe E. coli infection from a fast food meal that resulted in multiple organ failure and a life-threatening coma. When she awoke, she was permanently blind.
How did Lizzi Jordan turn her life around after going blind?
After losing her sight, Lizzi chose to push herself and pursue new goals, including joining the British Para-cycling team and competing in events like the London Marathon to raise funds for charity.
What are Lizzi Jordan’s achievements in Para-cycling?
Lizzi Jordan has made significant strides in Para-cycling, winning gold in the mixed tandem sprint and a bronze in the tandem kilo at the World Championships with her pilot Amy Cole.
How does Lizzi Jordan cope with her blindness in everyday life?
Lizzi is learning to navigate life without sight by relying on others for guidance and training to use a white cane, which she expects to be transformative for her independence.
What is Lizzi Jordan’s outlook on her disability and life challenges?
Lizzi has embraced her disability, learning to be proud of what she can achieve rather than focusing on limitations. She finds strength and support in the Para-sport community and believes that stepping out of her comfort zone has made her a better, more open-minded person.
More about Lizzi Jordan Paralympian
- Lizzi Jordan’s Paralympic Ambition
- Triumph Over Adversity: Lizzi’s Story
- Lizzi Jordan’s Cycling Achievements
- Life Beyond Sight: Lizzi’s Daily Life
- Embracing Challenges: Lizzi’s Philosophy
5 comments
this is the kind of stuff that puts everything into perspective ain’t it, makes my daily moans about traffic seem pretty small. Lizzi is smashing it on the bike now, legend!
did she really raise £15k after just learning to walk again… that’s insane commitment. And now she’s onto cycling! the world champs too? unbelievable
wow just read about Lizzi Jordan what a powerhouse, going blind and then just turning it around like that, total respect! didn’t even know you could get e.coli that bad
read this and felt lazy straight away, got me thinking what’s my excuse… lizzi’s story is the kick i need to stop wasting time. she’s out there winning medals!
omg her story is something else!! can you imagine waking up blind one day and then just deciding to run marathons? That’s some real courage right there