Forced to give up playing competitive hockey at 15 years of age after losing most of her sight, the Brisbane local took it in her stride.

Georgia pursued a new competitive sport, para-alpine skiing, and is now about to make her Paralympic debut with the help of the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Para Unit.

“Being a little girl in Brissy, I never thought I would be attending a Winter Paralympics, let alone representing Australia.”

Geogia had skied occasionally on family holidays but made the competitive switch after a suggestion from her grandma.

“Losing my vision was obviously a very challenging time and hockey was a huge part of my life. Having to pivot and find a new sport was an intimidating process for sure. But I am so happy I gave it a go despite it being so daunting.”

Georgia will be competing with her guide, Ethan Jackson, who she trusts to direct her down the slopes at more than 100 kilometres an hour.

“Competing in para-alpine is one of the craziest feelings ever. Flying down the mountain following my guide Ethan is an almost indescribable feeling.”

The 22-year-old says para sport has helped her in immeasurable ways after losing her vision during high school.

“I have found some of the most amazing people in para sports and have some of the best memories of my life made around this community. I have learnt so many life skills, am stronger, and have an amazing community to be part of.”

With Queensland Women’s Week coinciding with the Winter Paralympic Games, Georgia personifies this year’s theme of “shaping tomorrow together”.

She knows firsthand the benefits of sport and encourages all Queenslanders with disability to find a sport they can be part of.

“I think starting anything new can be scary and especially as someone who is visually impaired, but you don’t know if you don’t try! I would strongly encourage anyone thinking about giving sport a go to jump right in, whether it’s competitive or social, there is so much to gain from it.”

She says she still faces misconceptions about her vision from time to time but would rather have a conversation about it to help more people understand.

“I think the most common ones I get are people thinking I am silly for not just using glasses to fix it, which is obviously frustrating, but an understandable question. Or that I can be legally blind while still having some remaining vision.  In saying that, I always encourage people to ask me as many questions as they need to help them understand as I don’t mind answering. But come on guys, I would wear glasses if I could!”

This Queensland Women’s Week let’s cheer on this determined Queenslander as she begins her Winter Paralympics campaign competing in Giant Slalom (VI) AS2 and Slalom (VI) AS2!

To follow Georgia’s journey at the Winter Paralympics, visit: Paralympics Australia

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