For Samantha, athletics began as a family affair. Growing up in Bundaberg, Queensland, she watched her older sister excel in sports, inspiring Samantha’s own first foray into athletics.
However, cerebral palsy, which primarily affects the right side of her body, presented unique challenges. “Because of my CP, I couldn’t do all the other sports my siblings did,” Samantha recalls. Her father suggested she try discus and shot put, launching her lifelong love for throwing sports.
So the first thing I ever threw was a discus. I did it and it was amazing and it was just something that I absolutely enjoyed. And then as I grew up, it just became more and more part of my life.
Despite facing physical challenges, Samantha notes that sport has given her invaluable resilience and a supportive community. “I always had hurdles that I had to jump over,” she shares, “but I've met some pretty amazing people, athletes, staff members, committee members. I have this whole support system behind me, you know, and I know that they're there."
It's definitely made me stronger on certain aspects because you do get hit with the not so nice stuff, but we try and not dwell on those.
Representing Australia in the 2024 Paris Paralympics was a career highlight for Samantha. Having previously competed at the Tokyo Games, where pandemic restrictions meant empty stadiums, the experience in Paris was exhilarating.
“There were 70,000 people in the stadium the night that I competed,” Samantha recalls. "Being over there with friends that I've competed with for many years and seeing them achieve their goals for the first time and being a part of that, it was amazing."
For Samantha, success in sport isn’t just about personal drive; it’s about having a strong support system —from family, friends, coaches, and teammates— and it's crucial for young people entering sports. Samantha encourages them to feel free to explore different sports without pressure, emphasising that having supportive people helps them through challenges and makes the journey enjoyable and sustainable.
The Speak My Language (Disability) program is an initiative funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Framework. It is proudly led by ECCNSW and the primary national Partners are ECCV, ECCQ, MCCSA, MCNT, MCOT, ECCWA, and our national broadcasting Partners SBS.
Podcast Tile Artwork: Paul Constable Calcott
