Bio
Christie Dawes was involved in a car accident when she was ten-years-old, and though it left her a paraplegic, she refused to let it get in the way of the active lifestyle that she had enjoyed beforehand.
The 1996 Young Paralympian of the Year suffered a devastating blow at her fourth Paralympic Games in Beijing. In the 5000m event, six wheelchair racers were involved in a “smash up derby” less than 500m from the finish line. She placed 6th in the re-race, but appealed the treatment of Canadian athlete, Diane Roy, whose gold medal was revoked after crossing for 2nd.
Despite this controversy, Christie managed to nab silver at the Games in the 4x100m relay, which she lists as one of her greatest sporting moments, alongside placing third in the New York City Marathon that same year.
After giving birth to a baby boy in February 2011, Christie returned just two months later in stellar form. She won three bronze medals at the National Titles before registering impressive performances in the USA, placing 2nd in the Chicago Marathon and 4th in the New York City Marathon.
At the 2012 Games in London, Christie won her first individual medal. She says that her years of training and experience culminated in that moment, and that it will remain a career highlight for years to come.
The former Australian record holder competed in four events at the 2016 Paralympic Games and medalled in one. Christie, Angie Ballard, Madison de Rozario and Jemima Moore placed third in the 4x400m relay but were disqualified, before successfully appealing the decision and being reinstated to second.
Although Christie trains several hours a day, she manages to find time to teach at a primary school and is also a budding property developer.
