NIKKI'S
STORY

I grew up in Dalmeny, a small coastal town on the NSW South Coast, where I often felt like the odd one out — more curious and creative than sporty. In 1996, when I was five years old, I watched the Atlanta Olympics and saw Australians in green and gold competing with heart. Right then, I dreamed of one day representing my country. I didn’t have a sport I played, yet, so I made up my own. I was going to be an Olympic chook feeder. Unfortunately, the world wasn’t ready for an Olympic chook feeder, and I had to find a new sport.

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Sport soon became my outlet, my place where I felt like I belonged. I played rugby league until I wasn’t allowed to play with the boys as the only girl on the team, and eventually found rugby union. After high school, I moved to Canberra to become a nurse, specialising in Intensive Care Nursing. Alongside my nursing career, I played for the Tuggeranong Vikings and ACT Brumbies, completed the 190km George Bass Surf Boat Marathon (twice), and rowed to ANZAC Cove for the Gallipoli centenary in 2015. My dream? To become a Wallaroo and wear the green and gold rugby jersey.

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But in 2016, a devastating on-field injury changed everything. A dislocated knee, severed artery and nerve, and compartment syndrome led to 16 surgeries over 9 months. I kept my leg but lost my identity.

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I could’ve stayed down. Instead, I focused on what I could do — not what I couldn’t. I found para-rowing. In 2018, I joined the Australian team and trekked the Kokoda Track, learning what true resilience looks like.

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In 2021, I became Paralympian #1048, competing in the Tokyo Games and finishing 4th. I became a midwife, overcame personal setbacks, and found new fire. In 2024, rowing with my teammate Jed Altschwager, we entered the Paris Paralympics as favourites in the PR3 Mixed Double Scull — and made history. We won Australia’s first-ever para-rowing gold medal.

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My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve failed, fallen, and fought hard to get back up. But each time, I’ve grown stronger, more focused, and more determined. Being brave isn’t about being fearless — it’s about showing up, being vulnerable, and chasing the dream anyway.

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That’s what I do now — I share my story to inspire others never to give up while being brave, vulnerable, embracing failure and believing in what’s possible.