From Paralympics to Para Ice Hockey: Lynda Holt on Resilience, Reinvention & Saying Yes

Paralympic silver medallist Lynda Holt shares her journey from athletics to para ice hockey at 53. Learn about midlife reinvention, overcoming disability barriers, resilience after setbacks, and why saying yes before you're ready might be the bravest thing you can do.In this episode of Midlife Unfiltered, Lynda discusses her path to the Sydney 2000 Paralympics, working two jobs for free to prove herself, spending four months in hospital during COVID, and her goal to compete in the 2030 Winter Paralympics.Perfect for women in midlife seeking inspiration, disability advocates, and anyone interested in Paralympic sports, adaptive athletics, and stories of perseverance.In this episode we explore:What it means to be seen as an athlete, not just a disabled person "having a go"The art of reframing and how it's different from pretending everything's fineWhy comparison steals your race (and how to run your own)The barriers that still exist and which ones are worth fightingWhat happens when you lie in a hospital bed for four months and decide you're one day closer to getting outThe difference between giving up and reassessing—and why both take courageWhat it takes to say yes before you know how it will work out06:09 – Being seen as athletes 12:29 – Moving out of home at 14 (and why her mum said yes)17:08 – Picking your battles20:02 – The airline that listened and why advocacy isn't always loud24:57 – Burnout, reinvention, and the itch to compete again27:06 – Falling in love with para ice hockey46:33 – Four months in hospital during COVID, lying flat, working sideways50:20 – The power of reframingLynda Holt is an Australian Paralympian, para ice hockey pioneer, entrepreneur, and advocate who's spent her life refusing to accept other people's limitations. A silver medallist from the Sydney 2000 Paralympics in shot put, she's now chasing a Winter Paralympic dream in her 50s while growing Australia's presence in women's para ice hockey. Lynda's work spans disability advocacy, travel accessibility, and proving that reinvention is not age bound.Websiteswww.lyndaholt.com.auwww.wheelieessential.com.au Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/lyndaholt_paralympian/ Management TeamsInner Sanctum Sports Managementhttps://www.innersanctumsportsmgt.com.au/ ZBD (Modelling)https://www.zbdtalent.com/aus/https://www.zbdtalent.com/aus/mainboard/women/4323-lynda-h/#Paralympics #Disability #MidlifeReinvention #WomenInMidlife #AdaptiveSports #Resilience #ParaIceHockey #DisabilityAdvocate #InspiringWomen #AustralianPodcast