Photo by Orc Photography

One of the true characters of the Australian Paralympic team, Madeleine Hogan knows what it’s takes to challenge her comfort zone. After succeeding in women’s cricket Maddy decide to put her throwing skills to the test and have a crack at javelin.

No one could have predicted the results of her actions; selected for the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008 Maddy threw her heart out and was rewarded with a bronze medal in her first Paralympics Games.

With the fire in the belly well and truly burning Maddy put all her energy into being at her best for the 2011 world championships in Christchurch, along the way tearing a tendon in the elbow of her throwing arm. When you only have one arm that’s the last thing you want to happen.

Being born without half of her left arm has required Maddy to do extra work with her right arm, from time to time this has caused injuries but Maddy knows dealing with it is what it takes to be a great athlete.

To repeat the feats of Beijing was optimistic at best carrying an injury into the competition.

Few thought it possible that Maddy Hogan could overcome the pain and frustration of her torn elbow ligament to be competitive let alone beat the world’s best. 

With her fighting determination and confidence in her preparation she gave it her all to do exactly that, she beat the world’s best and is now the world champion.

Ask her team mates about Maddy and they’ll tell you she knows how to have a good time and she knows what it takes to be the best.

 A formula that will ensure she does whatever it takes to retain her number one ranking at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.