By REBECCA BILLS
Family says Mum’s efforts for Paralympic Games are an inspiration…
AFTER elective surgery to amputate the lower part of her leg, Amanda Reynolds is more determined then ever to reach her goals at Rio.
The Maccelsfield mum of two and kayak paddler suffered from chronic pain on her right leg through a central nervous disorder that meant that her leg did not work below the knee.
In April 2012 Amanda, alongside her husband Wayne and two sons, made the decision to amputate.
“Sitting on the sidelines and not being able to participate was the hardest part,” she said.
“And for the amount of medication I was on, my boys said if removing the leg meant I didn’t have to take them any more they wanted me to get rid of it.
“We wanted quality of life and we came to the realisation that we could have more of a life without my leg.”
With her sights now firmly on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Amanda has to qualify at the World Championships to be selected for the Australian team.
“There are a few levels you have to go through to get qualified and currently I’m at the qualifying stage,” she said.
“I’ve just done a couple of meets interstate and we have three more to go and then, hopefully, after the qualifications I can get on the team and head towards Rio.
“At the moment I am running times for the Worlds so, hopefully, I can keep up with the times and qualify in the next three races and I’ll be going.”
Training seven days a week in cardio training, weight train, paddling and Pilates, Amanda said the vigorous training scheduled is worth it in the end.
“Paddling started off as something where I just wanted to give it a go and I just enjoyed it so much,” she said.
“A friend of mine said she always had a dream to complete the Murray Marathon and after the surgery I said ‘OK, we’ll do it’.
“Now being more competitive in the sport, the people you meet and the places you get to enjoy is just awesome.”
Amanda’s husband Wayne said seeing his wife doing what she is doing is an inspiration for the whole family.
“When Amanda competed in the Surf to Sea for disabled and able bodied people to compete together the confidence it instilled in her was amazing,” he said.
“She now really hasn’t looked back and her three big races coming up to qualify for the Worlds is such a great opportunity for her.”
Currently, the Reynolds family is self-funding Amanda’s dream but the costs are mounting.
“It’s starting to get a bit difficult as these events have come up so quickly,” Amanda said.
“Originally, I had it in my head that Rio was quite a few years to go so it gave us time to save and sell whatever we needed to to go.
“Any help from people interested in sponsoring me would be great.”
Anyone who would like to support Amanda and her dream to compete at the Rio Paralympic Games is asked to email editorial@yvnews.com.au.
