Hugo and Louise Taheny: Sport, Advocacy and Life with CHD and Down Syndrome

In this episode of From the Heart, host Sami Glastonbury speaks with world champion athlete and health ambassador Hugo Taheny and his mum, Louise. Hugo is a Heart Kid living with Down syndrome, along with vision and hearing impairments. His journey has been shaped by resilience, family, and community.Hugo shares how sport became his passion, earning him the nickname “Rockstar” and leading him to represent Australia on the world stage. Louise reflects on Hugo’s early health challenges, the strength of rural community support, and the importance of inclusion in both healthcare and sport.Together, they discuss the barriers that still exist, their advocacy for more inclusive pathways, and Hugo’s powerful message: use your voice, hold your head high, and help create a world where everyone belongs.HEARTKIDSFrom The Heart is brought to you by HeartKids, the only national not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for people affected by childhood-onset heart disease.For support, information or guidance on your CoHD journey, call the HeartKids Helpline on 1800 432 785 or visit the website at https://www.heartkids.org.auCOPYRIGHTAll content on this podcast is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced, repurposed, republished, or copied, in any form, without permission.Repurposing or republishing content from this podcast, even with credit and acknowledgement to the creators, host, and guest, does not provide an exemption to this copyright.