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14
Interview
Can you tell us about yourself?
I’m currently 23 years old. I was born in Sydney but grew up in
Melbourne. I played many sports growing up including swimming
and cricket. My parents always introduced me to different sports
and I saw this as an opportunity to show my physical independence.
I represented Victoria in women’s cricket but at about the age of 17
I realised that I wanted to be able to compete against people who
were just like me. That’s how I got into disability sports. Away from
my javelin I work for a construction company as well as studying
sport science at Deakin Uni.
Can you tell us about your event?
I love Javelin because it’s a throwing event that incorporates so
many things. Power, speed, strength etc. I particularly enjoy the
variety in training because it gets me lifting weights in the gym,
throwing medicine balls and javelins on the field, sprinting on the
track and swimming in the pool. I also don’t mind the odd plunge
in an ice bath. I won Bronze at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008
and I remember thinking to myself during the event that it was just
so much fun being in the stadium and having the opportunity to
represent Australia.
What is the greatest achievement so far in your life
and your sporting life?
Winning gold at the 2011 world championships is my greatest
sporting achievement. This is my greatest life achievement also as
at this point in my life all of my energy goes into my training.
What’s the greatest disappointment so far in your
life and your sporting life?
Tearing my medial ligament in my elbow and being forced to take
time off.
What is your greatest challenge in competing in
London?
To know that I will enter the competition as the current world
champion, and to be able to overcome that ‘pressure’ to compete
at my best. My only goal in London is to throw a personal best.
What are your plans post athletics career?
I am currently finishing a degree in exercise and sports science,
however am unsure if this is an industry I want to pursue a career
in. Post athletics I would like to continue the motivation I endure in
an enjoyable career but also remain fit and active!
Madeleine
Hogan
Madeleine Hogan is an Australian arm amputee who
has reached the pinnacle of her chosen sport, Javelin,
winning Gold at the World Championships in 2011.
Maddy speaks to Touchline as she sets her sights on
London’s Paralympics later this year.