Mikayla, a native of Darwin, never let her diagnosis of a rare autoimmune disorder hold her back from pursuing her dreams of becoming a professional athlete. Her journey was full of obstacles, but she refused to give up. With the help of her physiotherapist and nutritionist, she worked tirelessly to regain her strength and eventually became a national champion in her sport.
Mikayla grew up in Darwin and always dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. However, she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder that left her bedridden for months. Despite the odds, Mikayla refused to give up on her dream. She worked tirelessly with her physiotherapist and nutritionist to regain her strength and eventually became a national champion in her sport.
Interviewer: Can you tell us more about your career and how it started up until your diagnosis?
Mikayla: Sure. I've always loved sports since I was a kid. I started playing basketball in high school and was pretty good at it. I even got a scholarship to play at uni. After uni, I decided to switch to a different sport, one that I had always been interested in - triathlons.
I trained really hard for years, competing in local and national events. Eventually, I made it to the national championships and won the race. It was one of the best moments of my life.
However, not long after that, I started experiencing some strange symptoms - fatigue, joint pain, and muscle weakness. It was difficult to even get out of bed some days. I went to see a doctor and was eventually diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder.
It was devastating news, but I refused to let it stop me from pursuing my passion. I worked closely with my physiotherapist and nutritionist to develop a new training regimen that would accommodate my condition. It took a lot of hard work, but eventually, I was able to get back to competing at a high level.
In fact, I think my diagnosis made me a better athlete. It taught me to listen to my body and to be more disciplined with my training and recovery. And winning that national championship after my diagnosis was even sweeter than the first time.
"I didn't let my diagnosis stop me from achieving my dreams. I refused to let it be an excuse. I worked harder than anyone else, and I never gave up. It wasn't just about talent; it was about perseverance, grit, and determination. And that's what it takes to be a champion. If you're not willing to work hard and fight for what you want, then you're not going to make it. But for those who are, the rewards are immeasurable. So bring on the competition, because I'm ready to dominate."
Interviewer: Can you tell us a bit more about how you were diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder?
Mikayla: Of course. It wasn't an easy process. I was experiencing a lot of fatigue and muscle weakness, and it took a while to get a proper diagnosis. I went through a lot of testing and saw many different doctors before finally getting an answer. But once I knew what was going on, I was able to work with my healthcare team to come up with a plan to manage my condition and still pursue my athletic goals. It wasn't easy, but it was definitely worth it.
Interviewer: That's an incredible story, Mikayla. Can you tell us more about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
Mikayla: Of course. Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it - it was tough. There were times when I thought I'd never be able to compete again. But I refused to let my illness define me. I pushed myself every single day, even when it hurt, even when I was tired, even when I wanted to give up.
Interviewer: That must have taken a lot of mental strength. How did you stay motivated?
Mikayla: Motivation is overrated. It's discipline that gets you results. I didn't always feel like going to physio or sticking to my strict diet, but I did it anyway because I knew it was what I needed to do to reach my goal. I set small goals for myself and celebrated every little victory along the way. And when things got tough, I reminded myself why I started and how much I wanted it.
It wasn't easy. But nothing worth having ever is, right? I had to push myself harder than I ever thought possible, and there were times I wanted to give up. But I knew that if I didn't keep going, I would never achieve my dream. And that's not an option for me.
"I learned that success isn't just about talent, it's about perseverance. If you're willing to work hard and never give up, you can achieve anything."
Interviewer: And it all paid off in the end. How does it feel to be a national champion in your sport?
Mikayla: It feels amazing, but it's not the end of the road for me. There's always room for improvement, always another challenge to tackle. I'm already working towards my next goal, and I won't stop until I've reached the very top.
Interviewer: That's a great attitude to have. What advice would you give to others facing similar challenges?
Mikayla: Don't give up. It's easy to get discouraged when things don't go your way, but that's when you need to dig deep and keep going. Surround yourself with people who support you and believe in you, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And most importantly, never lose sight of your goal. Keep it in mind every day, and let it drive you forward.
My advice would be to never give up on yourself, no matter how hard things may seem. It's okay to take a break and regroup, but never lose sight of your goals. And most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help. You can't do it all alone, and having a team of supporters around you can make all the difference.
Mikayla's story is truly inspiring. Despite facing a challenging health condition, she refused to give up on her dreams and worked tirelessly to become a national champion in her sport. Her determination and perseverance are qualities that we can all learn from, and they are undoubtedly part of what makes her a successful athlete. It's clear that Mikayla has a competitive edge and a strong, resilient spirit, and SheThrives have no doubt that she will continue to achieve great things in her future endeavours.
* Names and photos have been changed to protect the interviewee's anonymity where requested.