A diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) at 32 forced one Australian athlete to completely reimagine her relationship with exercise. What began as a life of Zumba and boot camps transformed into a journey of adaptation, resilience, and ultimately, competitive bodybuilding. This is the story of how chronic illness didn’t halt progress – it redefined it.
The Turning Point: Adapting to Chronic Illness
FND caused temporary paralysis, extreme fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Routine exercise became impossible without relying on mobility aids. The athlete, determined to maintain functionality, sought help from a physical therapist and an exercise physiologist specializing in disabled clients. The approach was simple: safety first, then adaptation.
This meant abandoning traditional routines and embracing modifications. High-impact movements were replaced with seated upper-body work, like bench presses, biceps curls, and chest flyes. The goal wasn’t simply to stay fit, but to rebuild strength for everyday tasks – carrying groceries, opening doors, and regaining independence.
The Path to Competition: Proving Limits Wrong
Two years after diagnosis, the athlete set an audacious goal: competing in a bodybuilding competition. This wasn’t about vanity; it was a deliberate act of defiance against perceived limitations. Training required a tailored approach, prioritizing upper-body strength and a calorie surplus to build muscle. Weeks before the show, a caloric deficit was implemented to reveal definition.
Stepping onstage with a walking stick was a statement. The athlete wasn’t concealing disability; she was showcasing resilience. The experience proved that strength isn’t just about physical prowess, but about mental fortitude. Since then, she’s competed in four more bodybuilding competitions, earning medals along the way.
The Future: Paralympics and Beyond
The athlete now aims for the 2032 Summer Paralympics in Brisbane, specifically in bench press. This is her favorite exercise because it avoids discomfort in her lower body, making it a realistic goal.
Her current routine involves three weekly sessions: one with an exercise physiologist (focused on upper-body strength), one with a physical therapist (lower-body mobility), and a weekly Zumba class. Sets typically include three reps of 30-35 kg bench presses, two sets of 10 reps with 7 kg dumbbells for biceps curls, and consistent attention to proper form.
Recovery is prioritized with stretching, mobility exercises, and heat/ice therapy. Rest days are honored as essential for managing FND symptoms.
Three Keys to Success
The athlete attributes her progress to three core principles:
- A Multi-Disciplinary Team: Working with physical therapists, exercise physiologists, and bodybuilding coaches provides a holistic approach to training, accounting for both disability and fitness goals.
- Mental Resilience: Believing in one’s ability is crucial when facing setbacks. Focusing on strengths instead of limitations fuels motivation and consistency.
- Rejecting Limitations: Disability is a part of the story, not the definition of it. The athlete refuses to let FND dictate her potential, proving that determination overcomes any barrier.
“Strength looks different for everyone,” she says, “but for me, it’s about breaking barriers, showing up consistently, and proving to myself that determination matters more than any limitation.”
Her journey underscores the power of adaptation and mindset. It’s a testament to the fact that strength isn’t just about how much you lift, but about how you rise after every fall.
