07/01/2026
As a coach, you always meet people who will forever leave an impression on your heart. Who overcame the absolute worst, and achieved their own greatness.
This is Stephanie. Born with Spina Bifida, but not defined by it. We are so grateful to be a very small part of her story. It needs to be heard - SHE. DID. THIS.
“The last couple of years, life left me in a really tough place — physically and mentally. At the time, I didn’t even realise how bad things had gotten, even at 112kg.
I genuinely believed that being skinny would make me happy. I booked a consult to discuss a gastric sleeve. To qualify, I had to lose weight — so I joined a gym.
That decision changed everything.
I met a trainer whose training style I clicked with. The energy, the training, and the way she showed up for me had a huge impact on who I am today. The results started coming quickly, and I set a goal to do HYROX — that’s when the real shift happened.
I started feeling happy again.
I was meeting new people.
I was building a village.
I got my zest for life back.
I found somewhere I belonged — where disability wasn’t an obstacle.
I cancelled my gastric sleeve surgery — it’s a great tool for the right person.
Since then, I’ve competed in HYROX Brisbane and Sydney, qualified and competed at the Adaptive CrossFit Games in Las Vegas, and competed at Torian Pro and Oceania Champs. I even started running in my chair — something I never imagined I’d do.
I now train at an incredible CrossFit box, work with an adaptive personal trainer, and have you (Ree) as my nutritionist, whose plans have genuinely changed my health.
Your nutritional knowledge and nursing background have been critical during a period where my health has been fragile.
I live with secondary lymphoedema and recently had a flare-up with chronic wounds that required hospitalisation. I’ve been told I could lose limbs — and without the right medical and nutrition support, I truly believe things could have been far worse.
A year ago, I was the person with every excuse not to start.
If that’s you reading this:
stick it out for three months. Then six.
Build a village. Set goals. Make it work for you…..”
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