Janine’s life changed suddenly when she met with a road accident while training to participate in the 1988 Winter Olympics as a cross country skier. She suffered permanent disabilities and was told that she would never walk again, much less pursue an athletic career. Not only did Janine walk again but with a strong mindset and remarkable effort went on the earn her pilot’s and aerobatics instructor licenses. She has shared her life story in her memoir, DEFIANT: A Broken Body is Not a Broken Person. Janine is best-selling author, has been named one of the ‘Outstanding Young People of the World’, has served as an ambassador for Spinal Cure Australia and Red Bull's "Wings for Life" and became the first female board member of Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

What was the toughest phase after you met with an accident?J: Immediately when I got home from hospital and it hit me that this was much worse than I first expected. I had not thought of myself as someone with a permanent disability, however, once home, I realised that living with a permanent disability was my future.

What is the most memorable motivational speech you delivered to inspire your audience?J: Definitely my TEDx talk in Kansas City, which now had over 1.6 million views. I have had so many wonderful emails from my talk, which confirms my belief that we are all intricately connected.

What message do you want to convey through your book, “Defiant”?J: That we are not our bodies, our real strength comes from somewhere much deeper, our DEFIANT human spirit. Once we realise that, we are unstoppable.

How do you face obstacles in life? What keeps you moving forward?J: My belief in something greater than me, and feeling that my life has meaning i.e. helping others overcome adversity gives my accident, and life, meaning.

What are your other hobbies?J: I love to read, swim, ride my bike, and of course, fly aeroplanes!

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?J: I recently visited Istanbul to speak at a UN Womens event for international womens day and this is my favourite city in the world!

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?J: Living with disability is tough and we need to remain hopeful and optimistic for the future. As parents, we are the most important role-models for our children, so cultivate a resilient and hopeful mindset, and this will be passed on to our children.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to become an athlete?J: If you have a passion, whether it is to be an athlete, or anything else, work hard and commit to your goals. Don’t let anyone set limits for you, believe that anything is possible…and it will be!

Any special message for our community?J: The best way to cultivate a resilient and optimistic life, is to help someone else achieve their dreams. Giving back to others is the best way to achieve well-being in life.