Key Concepts
- Spinal cord injury
- Mindset shift: from limitations to opportunities
- Wheelchair basketball
- Paralympic Games (Summer and Winter)
- Para-alpine skiing
- Resilience
- Adaptability
- Role model
- Inclusion and sports for people with disabilities
The Accident and Initial Aftermath
On October 30, 2006, the speaker suffered a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident, resulting in the loss of leg function. Initially, she was angry and unaware of the implications of her injury. Post-surgery, despite the successful stabilization of her spine, her legs remained non-functional. This led to the stark realization of a permanently altered reality and the need to redefine her life's path.
The Shift in Mindset and Rediscovering Sport
The speaker emphasizes that this perceived loss turned into an opportunity for self-discovery. Sport, previously a crucial part of her life, unexpectedly re-emerged as a driving force. The pivotal moment was a conscious shift in mindset from focusing on limitations to embracing possibilities. This involved redefining her perception of her body and her identity. She transitioned from being a young, independent woman to someone needing assistance, which required immense mental adjustment.
Rehabilitation and Finding Purpose Through Wheelchair Basketball
During her 10-day hospital stay, she made a commitment to regain as much independence as possible. The first moment she got into a wheelchair, she felt a sense of freedom and possibilities opening up. Sport became a central element in her rehabilitation, initially envisioning skiing and wakeboarding. However, she discovered wheelchair basketball, which provided the power, excitement, strategy, and energy she craved, offering a year-round athletic outlet.
Paralympic Success and Transition to Para-Alpine Skiing
After joining a club, she was encouraged to pursue the Paralympic Games. She dedicated herself to training and made it to the team. She participated in three Paralympic Games, winning two bronze medals. She then set her sights on the Winter Games and the sport of para-alpine skiing. Despite knowing the challenges, she began training and competing in skiing while still pursuing basketball. By the time of the 2016 Rio Games, she was ready to transition to para-alpine skiing.
Overcoming Obstacles in Para-Alpine Skiing
The transition to para-alpine skiing was not without challenges. She experienced self-doubt, feeling like a "newbie" in the sport, unlike her established position in wheelchair basketball. Although she missed qualifying for the 2018 Winter Games, a skiing holiday with friends reinforced her passion for the sport. In 2022, she achieved her goal of competing in the Beijing Paralympic Games in skiing.
Challenges in Elite Sport and Going Solo
Despite achieving her dream of competing in the Winter Paralympics, the speaker faced mental health struggles and an injury, leading to a negative spiral. She experienced inconsistency in her performance and was eventually removed from the national team. Instead of quitting, she decided to continue her training independently, hiring her own coach and assembling a team. She took on multiple roles, including team manager, travel agent, and technician, in addition to being an athlete. Her current focus is on the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina.
Role Model and Ambassador for Inclusion
The speaker emphasizes the responsibility of elite athletes to be role models, not just for individuals with disabilities but for society as a whole. She highlights that people with disabilities are normal people with the same hopes, dreams, and needs, who simply navigate life differently. As an ambassador and board member of the Dear Kite Foundation, she promotes sports participation for people with disabilities, particularly where access is limited. Through initiatives like "sport heroes at school," she shares her experiences with primary school students, emphasizing resilience and the importance of sports in developing essential life skills, such as perseverance, adaptability, social skills, and teamwork.
Mindset and Achieving Potential
The speaker concludes that even if she had been told she would never run or jump again, she now believes that as long as she can use her arms, she will be fine. Throughout her journey, she met people with disabilities who lead fulfilling lives, emphasizing that mindset is crucial. She challenges the audience to think about how they can make positive changes in their lives, regardless of obstacles, and to recognize the power of mindset in shaping their future and the world around them.
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