When Carol was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she accepted the change and continued to believe in herself and kept pursuing her passion for sports. She competed as a Para Cyclist and went on to win 3 Paralympic Gold medals and is a 9-time World Champion. In her book “Finding Your Inner Gold” she has shared her secrets of overcoming adversity and creating a winning mindset. Wanting to give back, Carol started a charity event in 2001 called the 24 Hour Mega Swim to raise money for MS Australia. Her goal is to support others living with MS to fulfill their dreams. The event has grown since it was started and has raised over $11 million and has awarded over 1000 scholarships. Carol is a proud ambassador for MS Australia as well as Rights Information and Advocacy Centre (RAIC).

How and when did you decide to take on Para Cycling?C: I was actually a Para Rower for Australia and had purchased a trike to ride to rowing training and home. I was using it as a bit of cross training. It was in January of 2011 when one of my rowing teammates told me that there was a trike category in the Paralympics. We had had some issues in rowing and she talked me into entering my Para Cycling races in April 2011 which just happened to be the Australian National Championships. So I did and was approached by the head coach as to where I had come from. I told him I wasn't a cyclist but a rower and he told me I was wrong, that I was definitely a cyclist because I had just done the qualifying speed for the national team in my category. That was the start of my cycling journey.

What is your most memorable championship and why?C: I would have to say that my first Paralympic games in London in 2012 were the most memorable. I was 51 and at my first games. It was a dream I had since I had been a small child. to be representing my country at the highest pinnacle of sport. I had always wanted to be an Olympian for Canada as a swimmer growing up and here I was at 51 a Paralympian for Australia. To me it seemed unreal and then to win a gold medal it was like I was in the middle of a dream and I was waiting to wake up.. I had a dream that took 42 years, 2 countries and 3 sports to come true and it proved to me that you should never give up on your dreams, that life can take certain twists that you might think are bad and good can come from them.

What has been your toughest sporting challenge? How did you overcome it?C: After London 2012 I continued to race at World Championships and I kept winning. Then in 2015 at the World Championships in Switzerland I was beaten in the road race by a fairly new rider and it was tough to not be on that top step of the podium (I had become too used to it). I realised that I had just been using my strength to get away from all the other women, but here was a woman who had that strength as well but also had tactics. I knew I had to re-access how to race and learn how to use tactics. I went home from those championships and looked to other riders and people I knew had the knowledge and tried to find out everything I could about tactics because Rio was around the corner. By taking the time to learn how to race differently I was able to then use that knowledge to win in Rio. I have also learned that it isn't always possible to be on that top step of the podium and as long as I do the best that I can possibly do that is all I can expect of myself.

What are your other hobbies?C: I love writing and have just finished writing my second book called "The Force Within" and have just signed a publishing deal so hopefully it will be out around July. I also write a blog each week which I post on my website. I love speaking to people, especially school aged children about the power of belief and dreams. And funny enough I love to colour! I have a number of adult/mindful colouring books and I can get lost in the colouring process. And up until just last year I ran a charity event for 20 years (I have now retired) to raise money for scholarships for people living with MS.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?C: My favourite place to visit is Italy.. I love the people, the way of life and the food is amazing! The scenery is spectacular for riding and I always feel very welcome when I am there.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?C: Never underestimate what they can do. Focus on their abilities and never dissuade them from trying anything. Try to instil in them that they are not their disability, that it is just a part of who they are and they can do anything in this world that they want to, they just may have to do it in a different way.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in pursuing sports?C: Never give up and just do it. It took me a long time to find a rowing club that would take me on because when I called them I was honest and told them I had a disability. Most were scared of that word 'disability', but I finally found a club who were inclusive, friendly and willing to help me give it a go. Find your voice and fight for yourself There are so many sports out there to try, you just have to find the right one for you and never give up.

Any special message for our community?C: Dare to face your fears and believe in yourself because you can accomplish what you want to. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will.