Maggie Sandles
- Para Triathlete
Australian Paratriathlete
About Me
My name is Maggie Sandles and I was born in 2002, with Usher Syndrome Type 1C. I am an emerging Paratriathlete, on a pathway program with Triathlon Australia.
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I currently reside in Brisbane and I attend the University of Queensland, studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Honours). Outside of University and Training, I love hanging out with friends and watching AFL.
My Journey with Disability
From birth up to 9 months old I underwent multiple tests. Shortly after, I became the second person, ever, in Australia to have Cochlear implants, under the age of 1. I was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss and attended hours of speech therapy as well as countless hospital visits. It wasn’t until I was 13years old, first year of high school, that I was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome Type 1C.
Usher Syndrome involves profound hearing loss, deteriorating peripheral vision and little to no function of my vestibular (balance) system. I struggle with daily tasks such as walking, communicating/hearing and I tend the find myself bumping into things and injuring myself due to my affected depth perception.
Despite these challenges, I aim to train to the best of my abilities and I am grateful for the current support I receive. Usher Syndrome has made me the strong individual I am today and with that I aim to put everything I have into reaching my ultimate goal, Brisbane Paralympics 2032.
My Goals
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If you were to ask me my ultimate dream, without a doubt, it would be to win Gold at the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics.
In order to qualify for the Olympics, I must acquire ranking points. Ranking points are gained through International competitions and events. My next goal is to debut on the international World Cup Series in 2023. These ranking points will then go towards the point system for Paris 2024, Paralympic qualifications.
So How Does the Race Work?
As a paratriathlete, there are multiple categories and classes, depending on the disability. I compete in the PTVI category which is for visually impaired athletes.
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The main difference in the PTVI class is that I compete with a guide/pilot who is a sighted athlete.
A guide’s role is to help navigate a Para-Athlete around the course safely and efficiently. I am so grateful to have one of my best friend’s, Felicity, as my training partner.
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Paratriathlon races are sprint races, which begins with a 750m swim, followed by a 20km cycle and finishes off with a gruelling 5km run. In the swim and run leg, my guide and I are tethered together by short, elastic ropes attached at the hip or leg. For the cycle, we ride a tandem bike, with my guide steering at the front, whilst I provide as much leg drive as possible.
How can you help
In order to reach my goals, I need to train hard, fuel well, and repeat small efforts - day in and day out. This is where I kindly reach out for your help and support.
I am looking to partner with WADA approved nutrition companies, equipment, and apparel companies to aid in my sporting journey. Triathlons are an expensive sport as equipment is needed for bike, run, swim and gym activities. Being disabled, I also require additional equipment such as a tandem bike and run/swim tethers. All of this equipment adds to the cost but is necessary for me to be able to compete safely at an international level.
Financial contributions are also welcome. Any donations and sponsorships will go towards competition expenses and I aim to build a relationship with companies and brands so that I can promote our partnership on my Triathlon suit. If you would like to support my journey, please donate via my Australian Sports Foundation Page.
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Please find the donation link below.
In return for any contributions, I would be happy to discuss deliverables and collaboration/sponsorship expectations.
Articles and Podcasts
Click on any widget below to read more about me and how I get involved
