Born to Rise: From Childhood Cancer to The Paralympic Stage

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about medical trauma and PTSD. Please take care while listening.Need support? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14From a challenging start as a toddler to becoming Australia's most decorated female Paralympian. Today, Navigating Disability sit with Ellie Cole.Ellie Cole's story is about quiet resilience and finding your own path.Ellie was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two and had her leg amputated at three. She was lucky to grow up in a family that encouraged her to try everything, never treating her disability as a barrier.That changed when she started school. For the first time, some adults began to set limits on what they thought she could do. It was a difficult shift, but Ellie didn't let those opinions define her.She discovered a love for swimming, a space where she felt strong and free. That passion led her to the pool, where her natural talent and determination took over.Ellie went on to compete in four Paralympic Games, winning 17 medals—six of them gold—and became a respected voice for athletes with disabilities.Her journey isn't about dramatic heroics, but about steady perseverance, challenging assumptions, and excelling at what you love.Connect with Ellie Cole:👉🏼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliecoleswim?igsh=MXd6eHZ4MDVvNGo0eQ==👉🏼LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-cole-am-ply-224b0319b