Cortina After Torino
Twenty-three years ago, fresh from winning four gold medals at the 2002 Salt Lake Games, I found myself wondering what was next.
After nearly two decades chasing winter around the globe — training and racing, often alone — I wasn’t sure there was anything left to prove.
Then I met Penni — and everything changed. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about racing; it was about sharing the journey. I decided to give it one last shot and went to the 2006 Torino Games, where I won silver in the downhill before hanging up my skis to start a family.
Now, two kids and a few lifetimes later, I’m heading back to Italy — Cortina 2026 — to chase one more ski racing dream.
From Cancer Survivor to Comeback Kid
I lost my leg to bone cancer when I was just nine years old — but that was only the beginning.
Over a ski racing career spanning 18 years, I became Australia’s most successful Winter Paralympian, winning 11 medals — including a clean sweep of four golds at the 2002 Salt Lake Games.
After that, I swapped skis for a bike, fought cancer a second time, and still made it to the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
Now, after surviving bowel cancer and breaking my femur in a skiing fall earlier this year, I’m back chasing speed — and a place on the Australian team for the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Cortina, Italy.
Follow Me on My Road to Cortina
Join me over the next few months on my journey to Cortina 2026.
I’ve got some major milestones to hit along the way — every one of them gets me closer to the start gate.
Follow my progress on
social media:
100km Rollerblade Challenge
Strength Comeback
Europe Training Fund
World Cup Qualification
US Training & Race Tour
Team Australia Selection
Family in the Stands
Fuelling the Dream
Chasing gold takes grit, time, and — let’s face it — money.
My first fundraising goal will get me back to Europe this November to race in the World Cup series, where I hope to qualify for the 2026 Paralympic Games in Cortina.
The second goal will take me to the US early next year to train and race in the lead-up to the Games.
And if I can reach my final goal, I’ll bring my family with me to Italy — because after everything they’ve given up to help me chase my dreams, they deserve to be there too.