Bebe Vio

Bebe Vio is a remarkable Paralympic champion whose story of resilience and determination has made her a sought-after keynote speaker on diversity and inclusion. After a severe battle with meningitis resulted in the loss of both her arms and legs, Bebe refused to let her disability define her or limit her ambitions. Instead, she embraced her passion for fencing, learning to adapt and overcome the physical challenges she faced. Her speeches often centre on themes of courage, strength, and unwavering determination, offering not only her personal experiences but also universal lessons on overcoming adversity.

Following an arduous three and a half months in the hospital, during which she underwent numerous plastic surgeries and skin transplants, Bebe’s indomitable spirit never wavered. She learned to navigate life with prosthetic limbs and quickly returned to her beloved sport of fencing. Her persistence paid off as she went on to achieve significant milestones in her career, including being selected as a torchbearer for the 2012 Summer Paralympics. This honour was a testament to the widespread support she garnered from the public and the Paralympic community. Bebe’s first major triumph in wheelchair fencing came with a gold medal at the Italian Championship in 2012, followed by a silver at the World Championships in the under-17 category.

Throughout her illustrious career, Bebe has amassed numerous accolades and recognitions. She was named Italian Paralympic Athlete of the Year by the Italian Paralympics Committee and received the Mangiarotti award from the Italian Olympic Committee. Her pinnacle achievement came when she won gold at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, a victory she successfully defended in 2021. Bebe’s contributions to sport and society have also been celebrated at the Laureus World Sports Awards, where she was honoured as Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. Her inspiring journey is chronicled in her books and the Netflix documentary “Rising Phoenix,” further amplifying her message of perseverance.

As a co-founder of art4sport, an organisation that leverages sports to support children who have undergone amputations, Bebe continues to impact lives beyond her athletic achievements. Her role as an advocate for vaccine awareness and her participation in numerous high-profile corporate events underscore her commitment to using her platform for positive change. Companies such as Audi, L’Oreal Paris, Nespresso, and Nike Europe have sought her expertise and inspiration. Bebe Vio’s compelling narrative and her dedication to empowering others make her an exceptionally sought-after keynote speaker in the realm of diversity and inclusion.