00:00Two-time Paralympic Cycling gold medalist Emily Petricola knows what it takes to reach
00:06the top.
00:07Now she's empowering the next generation.
00:09Emily Petricola We're also really trying to create a really
00:12strong pathway for any individual living with a disability to get involved in sport at the
00:18grassroots level and then all the way through to the very peak at Paralympics.
00:22Since the unit opened in December last year, it's identified over a dozen athletes with
00:27disability across a range of sports.
00:30It's one of five similar units that are now operating across the country.
00:33This investment is the most important thing to happen to Parasport in its history.
00:37It's about time but it's also well needed and really well received.
00:42A sporting career was never on the cards for Kirsty Maiden.
00:46Now the 35-year-old is showing promise in kayaking and hopes to make a splash at the LA and Brisbane
00:51Games.
00:52It'd be really special.
00:54Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
00:56Because most people at my age would be retiring from sport.
00:58So for me starting sport at my age is sort of a bit like, oh it's a bit daunting.
01:03Kirsty has no shortage of inspiration, including para transition coach Jed Olschwager.
01:08A late starter himself, Olschwager won Paralympic gold in Paris at 36.
01:14We can do with the para unit to help facilitate and connect those people to those sports.
01:18An exciting future for those who dream of green and gold.
01:21Taylor Harvey, ABC News.
01:26You can keep working from left to town.
01:28Neil Balch.
01:29He needs to help Kyle tell you
01:30Dr.
01:39We won't be coming back anymore.
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