I’ve never let the unexpected hold me back. Challenges are a part of life, and I’ve learned to adapt, grow, and keep moving forward.
When I lost my mum, Vicki, to breast cancer in 2010, it was one of the hardest moments of my life. She was my rock and biggest supporter, and her loss left a void I didn’t know how to fill. But through that heartbreak, I discovered a hidden talent as a triathlete, which led me on an incredible journey to represent Australia at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
In 2018, just six months after giving birth to my son, Henrik, I returned to competition. Winning my first race on the 2018 World Paratriathlon Series circuit was a significant milestone, and it reignited my drive to aim for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. By February 2020, I had won the first World Paratriathlon Series event of the year and was in a strong position for Tokyo.
Then COVID-19 happened, and everything changed. The Games were postponed, and the world was turned upside down.
Adapting to the “New Normal”
When I heard about the postponement, it hit me hard. I had been working toward Tokyo since Henrik was born, and at that point, I was sitting third in the international qualifying rankings.
Adjusting to this “new normal” took time. I let myself feel a range of emotions—sadness, loss, fatigue, uncertainty, and even an identity crisis. It was a challenging period, but it gave me time to reflect on what this change meant for me—not just as an athlete, but as a mother and a person.
Over time, I began to see this situation as an opportunity. Instead of focusing on future goals, I shifted my attention to living in the moment.
As an athlete, this change gave me time to “just be” and to see my training in a new light. Now, I’m enjoying my sessions for what they are and appreciating the endorphins that come with exercise.
The Joy of Staying Active
For me, staying active is about finding joy in movement. Just getting outside makes a huge difference. Moving our bodies is so important for both physical and mental health. My advice is to find something you enjoy and stick to it.
Personally, I love running outside with our dog. When Henrik is napping, I’ll hop on the indoor trainer for a ride. And when he’s awake, exercise often turns into a fun bonding time full of shared laughter.
New Goals: A Special Event
With the Tokyo Games postponed, I decided to set a new training goal: participating in the Mother’s Day Classic. This event has always been special to me because of my mum. Raising funds for breast cancer research is deeply personal, as I was her carer before she lost her battle with the disease.
This year, the event was virtual, which meant I could complete it anytime before Mother’s Day 2020. Being part of it again felt incredibly meaningful.
Routines and Self-Care
During isolation, daily routines have been my anchor. Whether it’s running, cycling, or occasionally swimming in open water, having a plan helps me stay focused and gives me a sense of accomplishment, no matter how big or small the task.
Self-care has also become a priority. For me, that means eating well, enjoying an extra cup of tea or coffee, or taking a moment to read a book—small things I didn’t often have time for before.
Gratitude in the Present
Above all, I’ve learned to appreciate the present moment. I’m so grateful for the extra time I now have with Henrik during the day. A simple family walk brings me immense joy, especially when we’re surrounded by nature—something I didn’t always have time to appreciate in the past.
My biggest takeaway from this experience has been to embrace change. The only constant in life is change, and it’s far better to adapt and respond than to resist it. Look for opportunities in the now, whether it’s time for yourself, for loved ones, or for activities you’ve been meaning to try. Whatever it is, embrace it—you never know where it might lead.
