This 10-year-old was told she’d never walk again - now she’s a champion triathlete
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We at the SDC believe in never giving up on your dreams, no matter how old you are. If there’s something you want to do or achieve, go for it!
It doesn’t matter if people tell you that it’s impossible, or that you won’t be able to do it – there’s always a way.
That mindset is exactly what 10-year-old Hallee McCoombes has adopted throughout her young life so far.
You see, she was born with a condition called spina bifida, a disease where a child has a malformed spinal cord that makes it difficult to perform basic functions like walking.
As such, Hallee and her parents were told she wouldn’t be able to walk at all.
Christine, her mother, described her condition: ‘Her brain is affected, her coordination is affected, and obviously she’s got lots of muscles and nerves that are damaged.’
But Hallee, now an Australian champion triathlete, was undaunted.
‘When they say that, I don’t listen,’ she said.
Despite being able to move her legs, Hallee still does not have feeling below her waist — she can only sense vibrations vaguely from her lower body.
When she swims, she cannot move her legs at all; she floats on her back when the strain on her body is too much.
But that’s not all: Hallee also participates in hurdles, and she already has a couple of records under her name!
‘I’ve got six Australian records - 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 (metres),’ she proudly said.
You wouldn’t know at first glance, but as late as last year, Hallee was stumbling in a hospital room recovering from operations.
‘Sometimes it’s hard, after surgeries, and it’s hard to get out of my wheelchair.’ she said.
But at the end of the many finish lines she has crossed and even though she’s exhausted to the point where she can barely form words, Hallee has one thing to say: ‘I love doing it, and it’s fun.’ What a little ripper!
Christine couldn’t be more proud of her daughter’s amazing strength and courage.
She said: ‘People are starting to see that she is capable of doing anything and everything.’
So, what’s next for Hallee?
In 2028, Hallee will be 16 years old and eligible to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics in the US.
She will be focusing on tennis and triathlon.
But what’s another challenge for a brave girl like Hallee? Her mantra for herself and others with long roads ahead: ‘Just go out there and do your best.’
So, what is your reaction to Hallee’s story? Did her brave and unrelenting nature light a fire in you?
Tell us your thoughts and reactions in the comments section below!
Source: Twitter/@7NewsBrisbane
It doesn’t matter if people tell you that it’s impossible, or that you won’t be able to do it – there’s always a way.
That mindset is exactly what 10-year-old Hallee McCoombes has adopted throughout her young life so far.
You see, she was born with a condition called spina bifida, a disease where a child has a malformed spinal cord that makes it difficult to perform basic functions like walking.
As such, Hallee and her parents were told she wouldn’t be able to walk at all.
Hallee has won many medals in hurdles. Credit: 7News
Christine, her mother, described her condition: ‘Her brain is affected, her coordination is affected, and obviously she’s got lots of muscles and nerves that are damaged.’
But Hallee, now an Australian champion triathlete, was undaunted.
‘When they say that, I don’t listen,’ she said.
Despite being able to move her legs, Hallee still does not have feeling below her waist — she can only sense vibrations vaguely from her lower body.
When she swims, she cannot move her legs at all; she floats on her back when the strain on her body is too much.
But that’s not all: Hallee also participates in hurdles, and she already has a couple of records under her name!
‘I’ve got six Australian records - 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 (metres),’ she proudly said.
You wouldn’t know at first glance, but as late as last year, Hallee was stumbling in a hospital room recovering from operations.
‘Sometimes it’s hard, after surgeries, and it’s hard to get out of my wheelchair.’ she said.
Even without feeling in her legs, Hallee soldiers on. Credit: 7News
But at the end of the many finish lines she has crossed and even though she’s exhausted to the point where she can barely form words, Hallee has one thing to say: ‘I love doing it, and it’s fun.’ What a little ripper!
Christine couldn’t be more proud of her daughter’s amazing strength and courage.
She said: ‘People are starting to see that she is capable of doing anything and everything.’
So, what’s next for Hallee?
In 2028, Hallee will be 16 years old and eligible to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics in the US.
But what’s another challenge for a brave girl like Hallee? Her mantra for herself and others with long roads ahead: ‘Just go out there and do your best.’
So, what is your reaction to Hallee’s story? Did her brave and unrelenting nature light a fire in you?
Tell us your thoughts and reactions in the comments section below!
Source: Twitter/@7NewsBrisbane
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