As a school girl and teenager Janet was a very happy, outgoing, confident, bubbly and independent person. In her early years she was involved in swimming and life saving and her's was that of a normal, happy young girl. Then, suddenly, at the age of 21, she suffered a life changing experience and lost her sight. Janet had to adjust to the terrifying existence of a world of complete blackness and for the longest time it was battle of strength and will - until she discovered the world of water skiing and her life was dramatically transformed!
By hard work, sheer determination and love of the sport Janet reached the pinnacle of disabled water skiing by winning the World Disabled Championship in the three disciplines and became the overall World Champion and World Record holder in all three too. She was World Champion in 1999, 2001 and 2003.
But then in 2004 her life took another turn in the guise of a steel jump ramp which Janet hit whilst water skiing at 40mph during winter training in Florida. Such was the force of the impact that her survival was considered impossible, but Janet’s strength and determination once again came into play and the faint signs of life turned into hope and despite sustaining multiple serious injuries Janet survived and stunned the sports world by not only walking again but donning her water-skis too.
She went on to victory at the 2007 World Disabled Water Ski Championships in Townsville, Australia. Dr Janet Gray M.B.E. - a remarkable woman, a remarkable journey and a remarkable symbol of courage, determination and hope.
