Gabby Wright, 15, was playing netball one day and was paralysed the next.
In 2016, she picked up an everyday cold that triggered an auto-immune response and left her with absolutely no function or movement below her waist.
An MRI and Lumbar puncture diagnosed her with Transverse Myelitis, a condition that is essentially inflammation of the spinal cord resulting in a neurological disorder, causing paralysis below the level of the inflammation.
Ever since, the Pakuranga College year 11 student has focused on one day being able to walk again, but in the meantime, is finding the positives of her condition and building on them.
"Because I always loved playing sports, I started to think about what sports I could play in a wheelchair. I tried both basketball and tennis.
"But because I am very competitive and want to play for more than just fun, I started to think about other sports that I could go to the Paralympics and compete in."
When Gabby was young she used to enjoy athletics and race in the 100m and 200m sprints. She's always had an interest in the sport and was keen to become a para-athlete.
"Last year I entered the Halberg games as part of the Parafed Auckland team. This is where I found a love for wheelchair racing."