Di Jackson’s journey is a testament to the power of sport in rebuilding identity, fostering community, and providing hope beyond her diagnosis of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Through her determination, she continues to inspire others to embrace new challenges and find strength through sport.
Di’s drive to stay active led her to the 2024 DoD Warrior Games in Florida, an adaptive sports competition for current and former military personnel. The experience not only reignited her competitive spirit but also reconnected her with the camaraderie of service.
Competing alongside other veterans was life-changing. “They challenge you and inspire you to try things you never thought achievable,” said Di.
Lawn bowls keeps Di engaged with her community, archery and hand cycling help her focus on upper-body precision and control, while powerlifting has pushed her to new personal bests. In December 2024, she competed in powerlifting at the Pan Pacific Masters Games, taking out gold in her category. She has just returned from the 2025 Para-Powerlifting National Championships on the Gold Coast, where she claimed bronze in her category.
Archery has now become a key focus for Di, after being identified in the Future Green and Gold Talent Search, run by the Australian Institute of Sport and the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), as a potential Paralympic pathway athlete.
“I never thought archery would be something I’d be able to competitively take up, but the Warrior Games gave me the opportunity to try. Now, it’s an exciting new challenge for me, and I want to see how far I can go,” she said
Di has just returned from a Para Archery Classification and Development weekend held in Brisbane, where she received briefings from QAS staff and coaching from the National Coach and National Assistant Coach. The weekend was about more than the National Pathway Program – it was about celebrating the passion, resilience, and dedication of para-archers and building a strong, supportive environment for success.
Sport has also provided Di with structure and clear goals. Whether it’s training for her next powerlifting meet or refining her archery technique, she believes that having something to strive for keeps her motivated and engaged.
“Sport gives you focus. It pushes you to train and set new goals.”
Di is greatly supported by Driven Athletica, PhysioPlus, and LK Strength Coaching. “You never do these things on your own – there’s always people alongside you, supporting you.”
Contributed with thanks to Di Jackson
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