Biography
Tanni & Ian
Tanni Grey and Ian Thompson met in 1987 as members of the national wheelchair racing squad.
They married on 1st May 1999 at St John’s Church, Cardiff. Dame Tanni says, “The national championships are always the first week in May so we thought it would help us both remember our wedding anniversary!”.
At work, Dr. Ian Thompson applies his PhD in Chemistry to the development of components for lubricants used in compressors, ‘green’ lubricants and the development of high performance engine oils. At home he is one of the most laid back chaps you are likely to meet. He spends much of his time helping Dame Tanni with the technical aspects of her training and looking after daughter Carys.
The Grey-Thompsons live on the North East coast where they enjoy regular trips to the sea-side for walks and to indulge in their favourite food - ‘Redcar fish and chips’.
Tanni and Ian have identical tattoos on the top of their right feet; the words ‘EXPIRED’ and then ‘--/--/--’. which are the spaces for the coroner to fill in with a pen. “If we are ever in an horrendous accident we can identify each other by our feet”, Ian says, “It’s terribly romantic, don't you think?”.
Carys
Carys was born in 2002. Her parents and grand parents dote on her. Whenever possible she goes on trips with her Mam and Dad. She was at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games when Dame Tanni won two gold medals.
Carys’ loves gymnastics because she gets to wear pink!
Carys says, “Athletics is boring”, she says, “Mammy, you just goes round in circles!”
