The Steady Ascent of a Quiet Achiever | Mali Lovell

As the world prepares to witness the grandeur of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, a new star is quietly emerging from the ranks of Australian athletics – Mali Lovell.

Born with ataxia, a rare type of cerebral palsy that affects balance and coordination, Lovell’s sole goal en route to her maiden Paralympic Games in Paris has been to prove what’s possible.

“What inspired me to pursue being a Paralympian was firstly to become the very, very best version of myself,” Lovell explains.

From the girl in kindergarten who couldn’t walk, 20-year-old Mali has defied all odds to get to this point, even winning two global medals on her way. 

“I felt like I was the only one who had a disability at my school. I always felt like the odd one out. Sport helped me to feel like I could achieve anything,” Love said.

And so her Paralympic journey began, spurred on by her childhood friend, Olivia Rose Inkster, now a two-time World Under 20 Championships representative, who encouraged her to give athletics a try.

“I’ve got a friend of mine who lives around the corner from me and encouraged me to give para sport a go. And then I just excelled through school sport, like All Schools and stuff like that. And here I am."

Her coaches Katie Edwards and three-time Olympian Melinda Gainsford-Taylor have been instrumental in her development as an athlete. Their guidance, coupled with the support of her squad members has created an environment for the burgeoning sprinter to thrive.

“Katie and Mel have been awesome. They’re so supporting and even my squad members are supportive of me in whatever I do. It’s really great to be a part of that squad,” she said.

Despite being the only para athlete in her squad, Lovell’s dedication to her training has paid off in a big way over the last year, when she won silver upon her international debut at the World Para Athletics Championships and followed it up with global bronze at this year’s edition. The achievements were a powerful affirmation of the years of hard work, as were the steps towards Paralympic representation.

“It’s literally everything to go to the Paralympics,” she said. 

“It’s like, I put all the hard work in now, and now it’s just gonna play out on the track.” 

Yet, despite her desire to win, Lovell is not focused solely on the colour of the medal. “I would like to win,” she admits, “but I’m not putting expectations on myself. Any colour would be great.”

Remaining grounded and refusing to let the pressure dictate her performance, the Allambie Heights product is wise beyond her years as she counts down to what will be one of the biggest moments of her life to date.

“My mindset stayed kind of the same. I’m even more hungry to win a Paralympic medal, but I’m not putting expectations on myself.”

 For Lovell, the journey itself has been as important as the outcome.

And as she races around the bend and down the straight in the 100m and 200m T36, , she knows that she’s already won in the ways that matter most.

“I just want to say thanks to all of my supporters. You’ve been absolutely amazing and I can’t wait for you to watch me run.”

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 26/8/2024