The Victorian Insitute of Sport (VIS) is proud to announce that dual Paralympian and VIS alumni, Kelly Cartwright, will join the ambassadorial team for the upcoming VIS Open day on Wednesday 20 September 2023, when the institute will open its doors to members of the public.
Cartwright first joined the VIS on scholarship as a Para-athlete in 2008, before rising to prominence with a world record performance at the 2012 London Paralympics, where she claimed gold in the F42/44 long jump with a leap of 4.38m. Cartwright showcased her versatility as a Para-athlete by also achieving a silver medal in the F42/44 100m sprint.
The VIS recognised her outstanding athletic achievements in 2012, naming Cartwright as joint winner of the VIS Award of Excellence alongside Olympic rowing champion Kim Brennan (nee Crow). Cartwright was the first Paralympian in VIS history to receive the coveted award.
Cartwright’s achievements were further recognised at a national level in 2014, when she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her services to Australian sport.
Following her Paralympic success in athletics Cartwright transitioned to power lifting in 2017, achieving Australian records at the National Championships, World Championships and 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Since stepping aside from athletics and power lifting, Cartwright has maintained her passion for Para-athletics by working as an ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Rare Cancers Australia and The START Foundation, where she has assisted amputees to chase their sporting dreams.
An amputee herself, Cartwright lost her right leg at the age of 15 after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in her knee. As her achievements have evidently shown, this has never stifled her ambition.
Today, Cartwright works as a motivational speaker and as a health and fitness model.
VIS Open Day
After a four-year hiatus, the VIS will open its doors to the general public, showcasing its world-class facilities, athletes and experts.
The practical day will give visitors rare access to the inner workings of one of Australia’s elite sporting institutes and will provide a unique taste of what it takes to be an elite performer with information sessions and interactive activities from our experts, athletes and partners.
The free Open Day will take place between 10.00am -2.00pm on Wednesday 20 September 2023 at the newly refurbished VIS headquarters at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park.
Learn more and book your free ticket(s)!
