Lauren Parker charts her journey from elite athlete to paraplegic to medal winning para-triathlete before vying for gold in Tokyo

I grew up in Caves Beach. I was really active and my main sports were swimming and surf life saving, where I raced up to a national level. My mum influenced my career from a young age, taking me to all of my sporting engagements and training every day, including the really early mornings. Her support allowed me to do what I loved to do. When I was 19 I began triathlon and fell in love with it. Not long after I was racing on the world stage. I met my best friend Brad Fernley when I started triathlon and he has been a massive support to my career. He has been by my side for the last 13 years and I wouldn't be the person I am without him.

When did you know that sport was your path?

I achieved my first state medal when I was 8 and qualified for the Olympic Games swimming trials at 14. I loved training and the challenge of competing and I was good at it. I always wanted to win so I was very competitive but I trained really hard. I knew that I wanted to make it to the Olympics in swimming. I looked up to swimming champions including Susie O'Neill as my inspiration.

In 2017, during a training ride for the Ironman Australia Triathlon, your bike tyres blew and you were thrown into a guard rail. Did you believe your career was over?

When I was taken to hospital for emergency surgery and then later that day told I would never walk again and would have to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I thought my life was over, and definitely my sporting career. It didn't sink in straight away but when it did, I couldn't believe that my life had changed forever.

When did you decide to become a paratriathlete?

Four months after my accident, I was still in the rehab hospital when I found out that Para-triathlon existed and that it was possible to get back to training and competing in my sport. This gave me hope and I believe that sport has saved my life. It was a long journey but I had the belief in myself that I could do it and become an athlete again. If I didn't believe in myself then it wouldn't have been possible. I also had a 'never give up' attitude and worked really hard towards my goals. I had to get used to using a handbike and a racing wheelchair and using my arms for everything.

What were the major challenges to reaching your new career goals?

Getting used to using my arms and learning the technical aspects of the new equipment was definitely a challenge. Also swimming without any movement from the waist down was difficult but I found ways to make it possible. I use wetsuit pants for buoyancy for my legs with a strap to keep them together and then I can swim as normal.

You won a Commonwealth Gold bronze model just 12 months after your accident. What did that moment teach you?

That 'anything is possible' if you work hard and believe in yourself! It was a special moment representing Australia just 12 months after my life changed and I'll never forget the journey to get there.

How is your training going for the Tokyo Paralympics and what events will you compete in?

I've had quite a few setbacks in my preparation but I am back on track now and stronger than ever. I've been improving in all areas which has really given me confidence leading into Tokyo. I will be competing in the Para-Triathlon on August 29 and my goal is to win gold for Australia.

You have been chosen by major retailer THE ICONIC to model some of its new, dedicated Adaptive edit. What exactly is it?

I modelled the Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive range for an eCommerce photoshoot for The Iconic Adaptive Edit. The Edit is about making fashion more accessible, more inclusive and giving people with disabilities confidence in themselves including what they are wearing, and making it easier to dress.

Why did you choose to be a part of the Adaptive Edit - did you face any issues with clothing after your injury?

In the early stages, it was hard to do everyday things like getting dressed. Everything just took longer in a wheelchair. When I found out about Tommy Adaptive I knew I wanted to be part of it because I really believed in the values behind it.

One in five Australians are disabled. How important is the representation of all abilities to you?

It is so important because people should be seen as equal. Disabled people are just differently-abled. There is still a lot of people that need to be seen as normal and have the opportunity to look good, and the Adaptive Edit provides people with this confidence, hope, and independence.

The hardest part of your recovery?

I suffer from neuropathic pain to 90 per cent of my body 24/7. Every second of every day I'm in horrendous pain which feels like I'm being stabbed with needles all over my body and like my body is on fire. People don't see the pain because I hide it so well when I'm out in public but behind closed doors, I'm screaming. Training and doing sport helps me because it takes my mind off it. The pain is definitely the hardest part to deal with.

And most rewarding?

Succeeding at my sport and giving hope; inspiring people and kids living their own lives to never give up, no matter what happens.