When 'just give it a go' leads to the Paralympic Games: Mali Lovell's story

Every Para athlete has a different story.  

Through our partnership with Paralympics Australia, we're sharing a series of athlete stories that showcase the many different pathways into sport. Some discovered their sport as children, others found it later in life. What connects them is a love of sport and a willingness to keep showing up, even when the path isn't straightforward.  

In this article, we're spotlighting Mali Lovell and her journey. 

ATHLETE: Mali Lovell 

SPORT: Para Athletics 

PROUDEST MOMENT: Winning Silver at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris (2023). 

WORDS OF WISDOM: Top Three: “I can and I will,” “Dream big,” and “Dream, believe, achieve.” 

Coming from a very sporty family, growing up playing soccer and other sports for fun, Mali’s first challenge to participation was to run and not fall over. Sometimes she would be covered in Band-Aids and bruises; additionally, she faced the challenge of not wanting to be different to other athletes. 

Joining her first disability sports program while in school, Mali found the inclusive world of Para athletics and started training more seriously from Year 7 onwards. By Year 12, she was a full-time athlete. She was inspired on her journey by her Paralympic role models, Madison de Rozario, Vanessa Low, and Scott Reardon.  

The call up to Paris was a dream come true for Mali. She came close to Tokyo in the qualifiers which made her more determined to get there next time. It wasn't her first time in Paris for a major event, in 2023 she won silver at the World Para Athletics Championships there, and in 2024 she returned for her Paralympic debut, claiming bronze in the Women's 200m T36. 

Paralympic training meant a gradual increase in training intensity, carefully balanced with weekly massages to counteract tight muscles caused by cerebral palsy. Some of Mali’s drills and warmups are adapted to account for her balance and coordination, and training sessions are limited to once daily. This is usually three days on the track, two days in the gym, and a session in the pool. Plus an all-important recovery day – “Got to rest up”, says Mali. 

Since Paris, Mali has continued to build on her success, winning silver in both the 100m T36 and 200m T36 at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi. 

To anyone with a disability who might be looking to start their sporting journey, Mali says to “just give it a go.” There are many great support groups out there, and plenty of options to try on your way to finding a sport you love and are passionate about. 

This article is part of NDSP's partnership with Paralympics Australia, helping more Australians learn about Para sport and discover opportunities to get involved. 

If you'd like to read more athlete stories, learn about the history of the Paralympic movement and explore pathways into Para sport, download our free ebook Get Active, Stay Involved.

Together with Paralympics Australia, we want to help make Para sport more visible and easier to explore for people across Australia.