Jessie Smith

From chasing my 'Saddle Club' dreams to suddenly facing a life-altering diagnosis, my journey has been anything but ordinary. At the age of 14, I was struck by a rare, incurable autoimmune disease that has left me partially hemiplegic. Despite these challenges, I’ve risen to become a National level Dressage and Show rider, consistently named on state teams and squads since 2016. As a registered Elite Athlete with UniSA (2018-2023), I’ve pushed through adversity, dedicating myself to both sport and personal growth. My story is one of resilience, grief, and triumph. I share my experiences to raise awareness of suicide prevention, mental health challenges, and the power of hope. Additionally, I advocate for disability inclusion and strive to break down barriers in a world that is often inaccessible. My mission is to inspire anyone facing difficulties to never give up on their dreams and to show how society can evolve to be more inclusive for all. Join me on this journey, and let’s create a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.