EDGEWATER paratriathlete Sally Pilbeam has been chosen to help carry the Queen’s Baton through the City of Joondalup next year.
The world champion athlete is one the locals selected to be part of the relay ahead of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.
Ms Pilbeam had her right arm amputated in 1999 when she was aged 21 after being diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. In 2014, she won gold at the World Triathlon Series in Canada.
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READ NOW“It really is a huge honour for me to be a part of the Queen’s Baton Relay,” she said.
“For me, running and becoming a world champion has been such a journey; I made the decision after I lost my arm and then had children to get back into something for myself.
“It wasn’t easy at first and there were obviously huge mental barriers and also physical challenges to overcome, but I really enjoy it.”
Ms Pilbeam always enjoyed swimming but said it took time before she felt confident to return to the water.
“It took me a long time to get back out there and I’d say to anyone who’s trying to overcome something, you have to give yourself time to be ready to take that step – it’s not easy,” she said.
“I’ve had a lot of amazing family support on my journey and that’s really important.
“At the end of the day if you really want to achieve something, you will, no matter what barriers stand in your way.”
Movember Foundation community ambassador Craig Butterworth and Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club life member Christine Cougan, both of Marmion, will join Ms Pilbeam in the relay after it reaches the City on February 25.
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