大象传媒

***This episode contains discussions and references to extreme violence, sexual violence and domestic abuse. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org***

Tracy Otto is on the verge of representing the Team USA at the Paralympics in Archery for the first time. But representing the United States in Archery was not what Tracy thought she would be doing five years ago. Back then, in her early 20s she was a student at the University of Tampa and an aspiring fitness model. But one night would change her life forever. In 2019, a brutal attack by an ex-partner left her paralyzed from the chest down with limited use of her arms and hands and the loss of her left eye. She describes that night, the impact on her life and how she is hoping to use the Paralympics to empower herself and others.

The ironman triathlon is one of the most gruelling events in world sport. It covers over 200 kilometres with a swim, a bike ride and a run. But how about making it just that little bit more difficult ? Australia's David Lowry has been doing just that. He tells us about trading the traditional slick and aerodynamic road bike for a BMX version in memory of his brother Damien, who he lost to suicide. And he wants to ask the all important question 鈥� R U OK?

We also hear from 83-year-old Kiko Rutter. He will be running the London Marathon, raising money for a mission hospital close to his heart but on the other side of the world. The hospital on Vella Lavella, one of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific was ran by his father ran over 80 years ago. Kiko wants to continue his good work to make sure those most in need are provided for.

And how far can you swim? How about how high? Seven 鈥渕ad swimmers鈥� will be looking to break an unwanted world record of the highest altitude swim in a new body of water found in the Himalayas. Former South African netball star Vanes-Mari du Toit is one of those attempting the feat at 6450 metres and tells us why it鈥檚 another alarming sign

(Photo: Tracy Otto. Credit: Tracy Otto)