Ordinary people, extraordinary lives

by Nikki Emerson

In 2008 Nikki Emerson was driving back from university when she had a near-fatal car crash which broke her spine and after being told she would never walk again but was inspired by the Beijing Paralympics and went on to compete internationally.

Genres: Nonfiction

193 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2014

About the author

Nikki is a T53 wheelchair racer who competes in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and marathon. She is also a T1 triathlete and hopes to start competing internationally in paratriathlon in the coming years.

In 2008 Nikki was driving back from Oxford University, where she was studying neuroscience and psychology, when she had a near-fatal car crash. The car flipped over and her seat slammed her into the steering wheel. It took three hours for the fire brigade to cut her free, during which time she lost feeling in her legs due to breaking her spine at T10 level with the bottom of her ribs.

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously a talented girl to start off with. A place at Oxford and a good sportsperson. It changed for Nikki when she had a car accident but with the help and money of her parents she was able to adapt to being in a wheelchair. Lets face it, she wasn't living on the Fifteenth floor of a council flat before or after losing the ability to walk.
Her training and sponsorship seemed to easily be available and it makes you wonder that she had to be something special in the sports world before. No average person could have attracted the attention of such high ranking personalities! Can you imagine, couch to 5K saying 'give me professional coaching' and the people who work with the GB team saying 'yeah OK'

[Amber]

A very quick read that I got for free and was very well written considering it wasn't actually written by an author/writer.

[Christopher Dodds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great tale told by a brave girl who had undergone a terrible ordeal and had the courage to over come her disability and learn how use a wheel chair. Her story had great moments of humour as well as some moments of sadness or anger but still some how manages to be positive about the way her life has changed.

[Jess Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently becoming a full time wheelchair user myself I found this book truly inspiring. Nicky had a positive mindset both before and after her accident- leading her to achieve many great things. She is an inspiration to the disabled community! Yes the book isn’t perfectly written but nor is Nicky a writer- she’s an amazing athlete and advocate.

[Rachel pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. A very determined young woman who was not going to let her disability get in her way of living life to the fullest .

[MAHITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgot to update i finished this yesterday. This book is a total motivation and fun life story book. Fast pace also. I truly recommend you this book. ♥️

[Kathryn Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not normally into autobiographies so not really one to review this type of book. A very determined individual though.

[Kerena]

A very inspiring story that had my eyes welling up a couple of times. However, the writing style was very informal and not something I am used to. I often found that facts or stories were repeated several times, with the structure of the chapters likely caused this. I think it would have been better to write the autobiography from beginning (school period) to more recently (plans for future) rather than jumping from university back to A-levels to sports to charity etc.

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight into being disabled