My journey in sport has never just been about winning medals—it’s been about pushing boundaries, breaking down barriers and proving to myself that I’m capable of more than I ever imagined.

I was born with nerve damage in my right arm. For many, that might have seemed like a limitation. But from a young age, I chose to see it differently. I saw possibility. I saw a challenge that could shape me, not define me. I didn’t see obstacles—I saw opportunities to problem-solve, to be creative, to find my own way.

I picked up a table tennis bat when I was eight years old, and something just clicked. It wasn’t just about the game—I fell in love with the feeling of testing myself, of learning, of growing. I didn’t just want to play. I wanted to compete. I wanted to stand across the table from the best in the world and prove that I belonged. That fire, that relentless drive, led me to a moment I’ll never forget: making history in 2016 as the first Australian athlete to qualify for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I never set out to break records—I just refused to give up on my dream. And that determination carried me through some of the most meaningful moments of my life.

Winning gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics were milestones, yes—but they were so much more than that. They were symbols of everything behind the scenes: the sacrifices, the setbacks, the silent self-doubt I had to overcome. They reminded me that resilience, grit and belief in yourself can take you further than you ever thought possible.

When I competed at both the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, I knew I was closing one chapter—but opening another. Retirement from elite sport was emotional. It meant letting go of the identity I’d carried for so long. But it also meant stepping into a new purpose. Now, as a Gen32 Coach, I have the chance to give back—to share the lessons, the bruises, the triumphs—with the next generation of table tennis athletes. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.

When Nadine from @designbayjewellery reached out to collaborate on a custom ring, I felt deeply seen. We created a piece with real meaning—something that tells my story. At the centre is an alexandrite, a rare gemstone that changes colour from green to red depending on the light. Nadine suggested it because of its symbolism: adaptability, resilience and transformation. It resonated with me instantly. Like the gem, I’ve had to shift, bend, evolve—and find strength in uncertainty. The ring also holds a simple, powerful word inscribed on the inside: STRENGTH.

To me, strength isn’t loud. It’s not always visible. It’s the quiet choice to keep showing up. To adapt, even when you’re scared. To honour who you are, even if it looks different from everyone else.

Looking back on my life and career, I see beauty not just in the wins, but in the perseverance. In the grit. In the way I chose to keep going—over and over again.

As I step into this new chapter, I carry the belief that we are all capable of more than we know. And with every young athlete I have the privilege to mentor, I hope my story helps them write their own—with courage, with heart and with unwavering strength.