A routine training ride the week before her first professional Ironman changed Lauren Parker's life forever. When Lauren's tyres burst, she flew off her bike and into a guard rail at 45km/h. She was told she had 0% - 1% chance of walking again and had to learn to transition to life and sport in a wheelchair. In this episode, Lauren speaks with host Sam Squiers about: Her childhood as a competitive swimmer and triathlete Managing an eating disorder throughout her teen years The accident that saw her become a paraplegic Competing at the Commonwealth Games 9 months after her accident The differences between able-bodied and para triathlon The chronic nerve pain which has followed her every day since her accident Winning silver at the Tokyo Paralympics by less than a second And returning to Ironman racing and Kona If you liked this episode, you should check out our episodes with wheelchair racers Madison de Rozario, Ella Sabljak & Louise Sauvage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.