25. Carol Cook AM PLY: Never Let Anyone Tell You What You Can and Can’t Do
What if the things you’ve been told you can’t do become the very things that shape your next chapter? In this inspiring conversation, I talk with three-time Paralympic gold medallist, Tokyo Paralympic silver medallist, world champion paracyclist, author and speaker Carol Cooke about challenging assumptions around age, disability and what’s possible after 50. Carol began competitive paracycling at 50 and went on to achieve the peak of her sporting success between the ages of 51 and 60, winning three Paralympic gold medals and a silver medal. She shares how a childhood disappointment shaped the mindset she has carried throughout her life, how she moved from swimming to rowing and then unexpectedly into elite paracycling, and how she learned to work with, not against, her body after being diagnosed with MS. She also reflects on finding passion, surrounding yourself with people who encourage rather than limit you, embracing new challenges, and why it’s never too late to start something different.
Also covered:
How Carol’s childhood gymnastics experience taught her not to let others define what she could achieve.
Moving from competitive swimming to para rowing and then, unexpectedly, becoming an elite paracyclist at 49.
Experiencing ageism in sport and discovering that, in paracycling, performance mattered more than age.
How Carol manages MS while training and competing.
The mindset strategies that have helped Carol thrive.
Carol’s continuing work beyond elite sport, including wheelchair curling, speaking, writing and the 24-hour Mega Swim, which has raised millions for charity.
Keywords:
Flourish After 50, ageing, women over 50, mindset, resilience, multiple sclerosis, MS, mega swim, disability, Paralympics, Olympics, passion, ageism, Australia, Canada, gold medal, silver medal, national championships
Guest: Carol Cooke AM PLY
Website: https://www.carolcooke.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-cooke-am/
A message from Sue:
I offer one-on-one coaching, small-group programs and a monthly online discussion group to support women navigating career and life changes. If you’re at a crossroads and want to create your own path and truly flourish – on your own terms, get in touch: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/contact-us
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