Daphne Hilton — the girl who dominated the Paralympics

Australia is full of girls who dare to do things differently.

From athletes to aviators, scientists to spies. From the deep blue sea to the dark, black skies.

Adventurous girls. Girls with guts and spirit.

You know what they are? They’re FIERCE.

And do you know who I think is fierce? Australia’s first female Paralympian Daphne Hilton (nee Ceeney).

Her story inspires me and countless others and it is an honour to share it with you.

What gobsmacked me the most was learning that at the 1960 Games, the Olympians lived in the athletes village whilst the Paralympians stayed at the hospital… because they were deemed to be ‘sick’.

Daphne was not sick, she was extraordinary.

She paved a pathway and created opportunities for athletes like myself to follow in.

Through the power of sport she transcended it and changed wider perceptions, stereotypes and communities.

She was beyond FIERCE and this is her story.

Daphne Hilton – the girl who dominated the Paralympics

Narrated by me, Jess Gallagher

Listen here > https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/fierce-girls/daphne-hilton-ceeney-the-girl-who-dominated-the-paralympics/13778422

(Daphne Hilton)

(Jess in the studrio recording)

(ABC’s Fierce Girls podcast)

Psssst! Be sure to listen to all the FIERCE GIRL podcasts, join Amy Shark, Yael Stone, Dame Quentin Bryce, Claudia Karvan, Turia Pitt, Stephanie Gilmore, Leah Purcell and more as they tell the inspiring tales of some of Australia’s most extraordinary women.

Listen for free on the ABC listen app, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

Text: Courtesy ABC FIERCE GIRLS.