The two-time Paralympic champion has had a hugely successful sporting career with four world and one European title set alongside the two golds she won at London 2012.

Despite her success, the world record holder in the T34 100 metres, 200m, 400m and 800m has had many unpleasant experiences with managers and agents, she has claimed.

This has spurred her on to establish 17 Sports Management Limited.

Hannah Cockcorft's new sports agency 17 Sports Management Limited has come about as a result of bad experiences she claims to have had with agents and managers in the past
©17 Sports Management Limited

"There are some good management companies out there, but there are also many that are not so reputable," Cockroft told the Yorkshire Post.

"I want to be able to help fellow sports people avoid the pitfalls and traps that I fell into.

"I want them to benefit from my unfortunate experiences.

"The team at 17 have extensive business experience and I know that our clients will benefit from this along with my understanding of competing at the highest level."

Hannah Cockroft won gold in the T34 100m and 200m at London 2012 ©Getty Images



The companies name derives from the optimum sped that can be generated by a female wheelchair racer like herself - 17 miles per hour.

The company aims to put the interests of the athlete first, taking away outside pressures to allow the client to train and compete at the highest level, Cockcroft claimed.

She is joined in this venture by Ian Byers, who has over 12 years' experience as a managing director of a major company and somebody who has supported the likes of Cockroft and Great Britain's Olympic gold medallist sprinter Marlon Devonish throughout their careers.

Byers will front the company as Cockroft continues to focus on her preparations for the 2015 World Championships and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.



"I believe in creating the right environment for the client, to allow them to compete to their maximum ability, taking on the responsibility for all off track activities to free them to focus on their training and competing," said Byers.

Also joining the company is Boo Matthews, who has a wealth of experience in marketing and public relations.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2014: London 2012 star Cockroft breaks own world record at IPC Athletics Grand Prix
September 2013: Hannah Cockroft: Reliving the memories that led to Paralympic glory
June 2013: Cockcroft relishing home crowd support at Birmingham IPC Grand Prix Final
May 2012: Athletics test event is a once in a lifetime opportunity, admits wheelchair racing star Cockroft
December 2011: Cockroft joins BT team of ambassadors for London 2012