Inspiring, nurturing and empowering young people with a vision impairment.

EyeChat: Conversations from NCW Episode 2 – Rowing Towards Success with Naomi Riches

Promotional graphic for the EyeChat podcast. On the left, Naomi Riches is pictured seated at a table, wearing a grey top, a purple lanyard and a smartwatch, with one hand resting near her face. On the right is the EyeChat logo featuring colourful headphones and a soundwave, alongside the text: “EyeChat: Conversations from NCW. Episode 2: Rowing Towards Success with Naomi Riches.” The background is light grey with a dotted pattern and colourful diagonal stripes along the left edge.

Each episode of EyeChat: Conversations from NCW, we explore topics that matter to our community, share inspiring stories and hear from fascinating guests from across the blind and vision impaired community.

In Episode 2, NCW student Faith sits down with former NCW student and Paralympic gold medallist Naomi Riches for a powerful conversation about determination, resilience and achieving your ambitions.

Earlier this year, Naomi returned to NCW for a special visit, giving her the opportunity to reconnect with former teachers, tour the college grounds and reflect on the experiences that helped shape her journey. During the podcast, Naomi shares memories of her time as a student at NCW and discusses how those early experiences helped lay the foundations for her future success.

The conversation follows Naomi’s remarkable journey from the classrooms of NCW to becoming one of Britain’s most successful Paralympic rowers. In 2012, Naomi won Paralympic Gold in the Mixed Coxed Four rowing event at the London Paralympic Games and has since become a multiple World Champion. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for inclusion, accessibility and opportunity for people with vision impairment.

 

Faith and Naomi discuss the challenges of competing at the highest level of sport, the importance of perseverance when facing setbacks, and the lessons Naomi has learned throughout her career. Listeners will also hear Naomi’s advice for young people who are pursuing their own ambitions, whether in sport, education or any other area of life.

Filled with memories, motivation and inspiration, this episode highlights the power of determination and self-belief, and demonstrates how passion and hard work can help turn dreams into reality.

Tune in to hear how Naomi’s journey took her from NCW to the top of the Paralympic podium.

EyeChat: Conversations from NCW is our weekly podcast hosted by staff and students, bringing you stories, experiences and conversations from across the blind and vision impaired community.

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