Stephanie Ratcliffe, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was six, is at the Paris Olympics preparing to represent Australia in the Hammer Throw. Her Mum and Dad, David and Monica Ratcliffe, are as proud as any parents could be.

With the qualification round starting on Sunday, August 4, and the finals scheduled for August 6, Stephanie’s Dad contacted Diabetes Australia to reassure our community that while he and his wife understand being parents of a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can be challenging for both the child and parents, there are no boundaries to what can be achieved with a positive attitude.

Stephanie, 23, is one shining example.

“Stephanie has graduated with a Harvard degree in Neuroscience and is currently achieving a 4.0 GPA while completing her Master’s in Business Analytics at the University of Georgia,” David wrote. To achieve this, Stephanie has lived independently overseas since she was 18.

Steph recently recalled the start of her journey in athletics.

“I remember Dad taking me to the Doncaster track [in Victoria] one Saturday morning to watch Little Athletics and straight away I told him I wanted to try it.

“I was very disappointed when he told me I had to wait another year before I could start because I was too young!

“I started athletics when I was five at the Doncaster Little Athletics Club.”

She was 16 when she decided to focus all her training on hammer.

Stephanie uses an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor to manage her diabetes. She credits her parents as the most influential people in her life.

“They are the ones who have been there for me from day one, always reminding me that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. They have opened up so many opportunities for me. My achievements will always be a tribute to them.”