After an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades, seven Paralympic Games and three Paralympic medals, Australian wheelchair racing legend Christie Dawes joins The Perfect 10 for one of the most honest and emotional conversations you’ll hear.

Just weeks after competing in her final elite race at the Cape Town Marathon, Christie reflects on the journey that began after watching the wheelchair races at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics and led her to become one of Australia’s most respected endurance athletes.

She speaks candidly about the devastating car accident that changed her life forever, the remarkable Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew who saved her life, and the lifelong friendships forged through the Paralympic movement, including fellow Australian great Angie Ballard.

Christie also opens up about the emotional challenges of elite sport, why she’s said she “loved it more than it loved her”, the physical toll of racing at the highest level, balancing motherhood with international competition, and the realities of competing as a female athlete into her forties.

Now embarking on an exciting new chapter, the former World Champion discusses her role with ABC Radio in Newcastle, her move into event management, and why she’ll be heading to the New York Marathon this year to experience one of the world’s biggest races from behind the scenes.

This is a conversation about courage, perspective, resilience and finding purpose beyond the finish line.

Listener Discretion is Advised: This episode contains discussions about grief, trauma and the loss of a loved one, from approximately 24-30 minutes that some listeners may find distressing. If this conversation raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day.

Discover more episodes and conversations with champions at The Perfect 10 website https://www.theperfect10.com.au