Imogen Waite, 13, Athlete
“I love that with a disability you can still achieve great things.”
Imogen has a busy life for an 11-year-old; she lives with her two older siblings as well as with her Mum and Dad and squeezes in time for swimming and training as a para-athlete of discus and shot-put… you’d think that would be busy enough. But then she still makes time to spend with her best friend of 5 years, Michaela.
Imogen is a picture of grit, determination and time management.
Image supplied by Jennifer Waite
Growing up Imogen always admired Dylan Alcott OAM, because of his amazing story of achievement as a Paralympian and as the youngest ever wheelchair basketball gold medalist. She also admires and looks at her parents as role models and is grateful for the belief they show in her.
Born with a physical disability affecting her legs, Imogen has learnt that through determination and an adventurous attitude she can achieve success. Coupled with her self-described amazing Mum and Dad believing in her, she has medals at a national level to show for her effort.
“In 2019 I won a gold medal in discus and a silver medal in shot put at the School Sports Australia Track and Field National Championships in Darwin.
This achievement is really important to me because they are the first national medals I have won.”
Sometimes while training Imogen has found that her legs tire and become painful and she feels like she needs to stop and rest, but instead she uses this as a signal to never give up and to work harder which makes them hurt less. Being small but mighty is about being determined and trying your best is what Imogen finds.
“ I do this because I feel like if I don’t do it, I’ll regret it later in life”.
Imogen hopes that through her achievements, she can show others that if she can do it they can too! Next up, she’d like to train in the 100 metre sprint and long jump. If she has good results she will qualify for the National championships in shot put and discuss as well as these new events.
“I’d like to go to the Paralympics and compete to win.”