Karni Liddell

Karni Liddell was born to two loving parents in the town of Rockhampton, Australia’s beef capital! However, Karni was born with limited use of her legs. Back then it was called spinal muscular atrophy, and her two loving parents were told she wouldn’t live past her teens. Well they had other ideas.

After finding it funny that doctors recommended against exercise, Karni’s father frequently took his daughter out for walks, even going to the extent or making a harness system where by Karni could walk by herself. As a young girl, Karni would try walking, cycling and swimming as a means of keeping mobile, and determined.

It’s no wonder then, that Karni would, in 1996, represent Australia at the Paralympic games in swimming. Then again in 2000 in Sydney, this time as team captain.

Nowadays, her competitive swimming days have been replaced by outrigging, and the occasional sit down paddle, up and down the creeks of Cotton Tree at Maroochydore.

This often goes hand in hand with a little trike ride along the water. Her beautiful 20 month-old son, Kai will often be seen sitting behind his mum, taking it all in as they ride to grab a coffee or juice from one of the many vibrant, colourful cafes through Maroochydore.