For 17-year-old Torita Isaac, athletics means everything. As one of Australia’s brightest sparks for the future, she is set to make her international debut on the world’s biggest stage at the London Paralympic Games.

Torita first tried athletics at school where she competed in cross country competitions with her friends. With a natural talent for running and the dream of following in Cathy Freeman’s steps after she completed a school essay on her hero, she threw herself into the sport and has never looked back.

Torita’s dedication to making the London team was proven when she competed at the 2012 National Championships in Melbourne despite the enormous amount of pain in her legs. She ran the 100m in 14.93 and was set to run the 200m when she had scans that uncovered she had 11 bone fractures in her legs.

While Torita, who was born with cerebral palsy and a vision impairment, has split her Year 12 certificate across two years to dedicate more time to athletics, she is still kept busy.

From the Kamilaroi Aboriginal people in the Moree region of New South Wales, Torita was invited to raise the Aboriginal flag at the Kedron Park State Emergency Centre during the 2012 NAIDOC week and is a proud ambassador for indigenous athletes.

Having met her hero Sally Pearson and with the dreams of following in Cathy Freeman’s footsteps, Torita is one to watch for the future.