What Happens When We Change the Way We See People?

Wit + Grit

Monday, 17 August 2026 - 52 minutes

What if the biggest barrier isn't disability - but perception?

In this deeply moving episode of Wit + Grit, PJ and Andy sit down with Taylor Mackenzie, Special Olympics GB swimmer, gold medallist and athlete leader, alongside Laura Baxter MBE, CEO of Special Olympics Great Britain.

Taylor shares her remarkable journey - from a young girl who struggled to speak, to becoming a double gold medallist in Berlin and now preparing to attempt a Guinness World Record just months after major spinal surgery.

Laura explains why Special Olympics is about far more than medals. It's about confidence, belonging, opportunity and challenging society's assumptions about people with intellectual disabilities.

Together they explore leadership, resilience, inclusion and why success should sometimes be measured by friendship, courage and joy rather than trophies.

This isn't simply a conversation about sport.

It's a conversation about seeing people for who they are - and what becomes possible when we do.

Key Takeaways

People before labels

Special Olympics focuses on the person - not the disability.

Success looks different

Winning isn't always measured by medals. Sometimes it's confidence, friendship and simply showing up.

Courage changes everything

Taylor's comeback after spinal surgery shows resilience in its purest form.

Inclusion starts with conversation

The biggest thing we can do is simply engage with people.

Challenge assumptions