Christie took up wheelchair racing as a child as part of her rehab after a car crash left her with paraplegia.  Sometimes dangerous and always thrilling, the sport helped to restore her sense of self and Christie went on to compete in seven Paralympic Games.

But she almost gave up one of her events, the marathon, after a terrifying experience in Boston in 2013. 

Christie manages to split her time training for races, holding down several jobs, and raising her family.

Further information

If you need someone to talk to, help and support is always available

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890

This episode was produced by Michelle Ransom Hughes and the Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney.

This episode of Conversations touches on suicide, Paralympic Games, terrorism, disability, family, wheelchair marathon, wheelchair racing, positivity, sport, women, alcohol, equal rights.

To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.