Childhood Exclusion to Paralympian!

"From childhood exclusion to Paralympic excellence - Kerrie's journey proves that barriers are meant to be broken, not accepted." Kerrie's extraordinary story will inspire anyone who's ever been told they "can't" do something. Born with spina bifida and expected to be in a wheelchair by age 2, she instead found her way to representing Australia at international Paralympic competition - and continues to advocate for accessibility and inclusion today. Her remarkable journey includes: - Growing up excluded from family sports (brother's basketball, dad's coaching, mum's tennis) - Discovering SRDC (Sports Recreation for Disabled Children) as a pathway to inclusion - Progressing from local competitions to representing Australia internationally - Competing in England in 1981 (the same day as Princess Diana's wedding!) - Using swimming to manage university stress and depression with detailed tracking - Coaching junior swimmers with disabilities to give back to the community - Adapting exercise through aging, injuries, and changing physical abilities - Working with Paralympics Australia on Building Inclusive Communities project - Exercising with husband Martin for accountability and mutual support - Advocating for better accessibility consultation and inclusive design Mental Health Wisdom: "Mental health was huge. If I got stressed doing my bachelor of arts, I'd write a little ‘DP’ if I was depressed or anxious. You come outta the swimming pool, got a clear head." Resilience Insight: "By doing exercise it really does change your outlook on life. When I stop doing exercise, things get overwhelming. When I go back to doing exercise, everything writes itself."