This Is Your Life Channel Nine 22/10/1998

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[00:00:01][music] [music] Hi and welcome to This Is Your Life.

[00:00:16]Tonight we honor one of the finest athletes Australia has ever produced.

[00:00:21]She started out her career as a promising swimmer, but a back operation brought an abrupt end to any dreams of swimming glory. So, she turned her attention and determination to road and track racing, and it wasn't long before she'd won gold. Now, right now, she's here at Olympic City with the state Olympics minister, where she thinks she's here to promote Sydney 2000 [music] in a television commercial. But we've set the whole thing up just for our [music] surprise. So come along.

[00:00:56]>> Parolympics 2000, take one.

[00:01:01]Two years this month, Sydney will play host to an international sporting event larger than the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

[00:01:09]As Minister for the Sydney 2000 Parolympic Games, I know Sydney will turn out to see some of the world's most elite athletes compete in the 18 sports to be staged here between the 18th and the 29th of October.

[00:01:23]>> Hi, I'm Louise. I >> Hello.

[00:01:27]>> Hi Louise.

[00:01:29]>> Oh my god.

[00:01:30]>> Louise, this is your life.

[00:01:33]>> Are you serious?

[00:01:35]>> Very serious. We're very, very proud of you and your achievements.

[00:01:39]>> I'm going to kill you. [laughter] >> You thought this was going to be a commercial.

[00:01:44]>> Yes, >> it's not.

[00:01:46]>> It's not.

[00:01:46]>> It's all been set up for the surprise with the help of Michael Knife.

[00:01:52]>> We're not even doing a commercial.

[00:01:57]>> I can't believe you.

[00:02:01]>> Do I get to see my mom?

[00:02:05]Is she me?

[00:02:07]>> That's so cool.

[00:02:10][applause] >> [music] [applause] >> Ladies and gentlemen, tonight [applause] >> when we were out of Olympic City today, did you think much about the year 2000?

[00:02:35]Were you thinking about that at all?

[00:02:37]>> Uh, a little bit. Everyone was kind of talking about how it's only two years to go now and yeah, it's going very quickly. So, yeah. You are going to be awesome.

[00:02:44]>> Thanks. I hope so.

[00:02:46]>> And someone else who knows how awesome you're going to be and holds enormous hopes for you is the New South Wales Olympics and Parolympics Minister Michael Knight.

[00:03:04][applause] >> Now, Michael, you've always been a bit of a Louise Sage groupy, haven't you?

[00:03:08]Oh, I've been out at the airport at the crack of dawn to see Louise when she's come back with yet another swag of gold medals. She's an amazing competitor.

[00:03:17]She's not a person with a disability.

[00:03:19]She's an elite Australian athlete who also happens to have a disability. She's a marvelous icon for sport. And I just can't wait to see her compete in 2000 with the support of Australians behind her. She'll win a swag of gold again.

[00:03:33]Thanks again. [applause] Louise Sage, you're born on the 18th of September, 1973 at the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth. Your father, Maurice, is a mechanic. He and your mom, Rita, already have one little girl, Anne, and are over the moon to have a second. But you're born with dislocated hips, a broken thigh, and severe spinal condition called myodisplasia, meaning you have no feeling below the waist.

[00:04:05]When you're just 4 hours old, an orthopedic surgeon is [music] called in to see what can be done for you. And that's the beginning of a lifelong relationship with hospitals and operations. And that gentleman, Don Webb, joins us now.

[00:04:20][music] [applause] You [applause] >> speak to you. [cheering] >> I don't normally kiss patients, but we can break the rules this time, I think.

[00:04:34]I mean, what I could say is hop up on the couch and let's [laughter] have a look at it.

[00:04:39]>> Why not?

[00:04:40]>> That's wonderful. Nice to be here.

[00:04:41]>> Not here. Not here, please. [laughter] Now, what did you think of Louise when you first set eyes on her at 4 hours old?

[00:04:48]>> At 4 hours old, these babies are orthopedic disasters or challenges.

[00:04:56]And Louise and her mother, Rita, never ceased to treat it as a challenge.

[00:05:03]And over 20 operations later, serial plasters, splints, braces without number. We lost count.

[00:05:15]And she overcame this to achieve what she has.

[00:05:21]>> And what was she like as a patient?

[00:05:23]>> Oh, very difficult at times. She's got a mind of her own. I [laughter] have Has she?

[00:05:27]>> Absolutely.

[00:05:29]She told me what I was going to do to her, not the other way around.

[00:05:32]>> [laughter] >> Can I just say Mike that that she is an Australian icon and a role model for children with disabilities and also for the parents of those children with disabilities. And look, the health professionals that have had anything to do with you are very proud of you. You know that [applause] Louise, you're over a month old before your parents can even hold you. Your first operation is on your foot at 10 weeks. Now, the first two years of your life you spend in plaster casts, but you will spend 11 years in a body brace. At 3 in 1976, you begin to walk using these calipers and crutches, but you throw them away because you know you can get around much faster without them. Well, your family always allows you to do anything that will give you confidence.

[00:06:27]>> I don't usually have a choice.

[00:06:29][laughter] Oh, and here they are. Your mom, dad, sister Ann, and cousin Jack [applause and music] [applause] [applause] to put a seat on.

[00:06:51][applause] >> We're going to talk about the hair short.

[00:06:58]That Maurice, did you always want to go fast?

[00:07:00]>> Yes. [laughter] >> Using what?

[00:07:05]Skateboard [laughter] and >> Dad actually built me like a few skateboards and things to actually get around when I was in plaster. So, you know, he assisted with me my mobility, so to speak, I suppose.

[00:07:18]>> What about when she started to drive?

[00:07:21]>> Oh, I did.

[00:07:23]>> I was scared to win the car [laughter] with her.

[00:07:26]>> Was she that fast? Yes.

[00:07:30]>> And of course, Rita, you've had plenty of of sleepless nights one way or the other over the years, haven't you?

[00:07:36]>> I certainly have. Yes. What went what with her operations and now with all her racing and I'm always waiting for that phone call, you know, when she's been in America, it's usually about 3:00 or 4 in the morning. But I don't care. I'm so proud of her. [laughter] >> Now, Jackie, just tell us where the haircut came from.

[00:07:56]Why did that Louise?

[00:07:58]>> Do you let her do anything to [laughter] you?

[00:08:00]>> A lot of people in Australia would have seen me with long hair, but Louise has been a catalyst to my shorter lengths.

[00:08:06][laughter] So, >> and and she's also got you in a couple of other spots, too, hasn't she?

[00:08:11]>> Yeah. More recently, I had a visit from Louise in Canes and we got out and about adventuring, doing some of the things you do when you're in Canes, like skydiving and whitewater rafting. And >> there you are.

[00:08:23]>> Whoa. Could you keep up with her?

[00:08:27]>> No, she was out of the plane before I was. [laughter] >> Well, thank you all very much for coming and joining us. I know you wouldn't have missed it. [applause] >> Thank you.

[00:08:40][applause] [applause] >> Louise, you begin school at Tu Hill Junior Primary. And by the time you're 11, no one at school dares question your capabilities despite being in a wheelchair. In fact, you do a lot more than most kids and most of the time terrify the teachers.

[00:09:07]>> She was such a little monkey.

[00:09:09]>> It's your year seven teacher, Lucy Twining. Oh no.

[00:09:19][applause] >> And why was he such a little monkey?

[00:09:24]>> Well, Louise was a very headstrong young girl. And the children in the class used to love to clean the chalkboard. And my chalkboard ledge was only so wide. And Louise, but nothing put uh past Louise.

[00:09:39]She would climb up onto that chalkboard and hang on from the very top and clean the board. And when I said, "You can't do that." She said, "Don't tell me I can't do anything." And she did. She does everything even though she terrifies the teacher.

[00:09:56]>> Did she keep cleaning the blackboard?

[00:09:57]>> She certainly did. Probably more times than anyone else. She >> Thank you very much for joining us.

[00:10:03][applause] That never say never attitude and your natural athleticism earned you the nickname flipper at the local swimming pool. There you [laughter] are. At 8, you join WA's Disabled Sports Association and begin competing in the Junior Disabled Games. Now, you're such a good swimmer that at [music] only 10, you compete in the National Senior Championships in Sydney. But your blossoming career in swimming is cut short at 13 because you must have major back surgery. You have curvature of the spine and need two steel rods in your back to correct it. The doctors tell you all future swimming competition is a no no. You undergo three major operations in four months. Spending that time recovering in hospital on a flat slab.

[00:10:57]Now, how did you cope then at 13 having just found your swimming niche >> um >> to have it taken away?

[00:11:03]>> I don't know. I think about it now and I think, you know, how did I ever keep out of sport for for 2 years or how did my mother ever keep me away for two years?

[00:11:11]But, um I suppose it was just something I had to do and I knew that uh it was something that had to be done and and that was it. There was no choice about the matter and you know looked to the future and what I could do from there on. So, >> and to help you get through that long period in hospital is your best friend Karen Long, who visits you every day.

[00:11:31]Now, these days, Karen is in a remote Aboriginal community in WA, so she couldn't be here tonight, but she sends you this message.

[00:11:38]>> I was so hoping she would be here.

[00:11:41]>> Hi, Louis. Surprise. I bet you didn't think I could keep this a secret from you. Well, term [music] for started here in Jigalong, and as you can see, this is my classroom, and these are some of my students. And yes, I have already told them all about you. I really wish I could be there with [music] you tonight, Lou, but as you know, I'm the only high school teacher here now, and it was just impossible for me to get away. Louise, you've worked so hard over the years to get where you are now, and it's great to see you getting the recognition that you deserve. Congratulations, Louise, and have a great night.

[00:12:11]message.

[00:12:13][applause] Isn't that nice? [music] >> Well, while the back surgery successfully straightens your spine, it crushes your dreams for swimming. For the next two years, you're not allowed to play any sport. So, what went through your mind then?

[00:12:28]>> I think I really looked forward to getting back into it, not knowing the results of whether I would be able to swim or not.

[00:12:35]>> And get back to it you did. At 15, your first coach, Frank Potter, sees your potential as an all round athlete.

[00:12:42][laughter] He encourages you to concentrate on wheelchair track racing, knowing your determination, and you certainly prove him right. And here he is along with your current coach, Andrew Doors.

[00:12:53][applause] [applause] >> [cheering] [applause] >> your chair there, Frank.

[00:13:10]>> So, Frank, what did you first see in this young woman?

[00:13:12]>> The big change was after the operation, you know, she was a bit like this, as she said, she didn't know what she was going to do. And I said, well, look, you know, have a go at the swimming and and give the track a bit bit of a go. And we got that old red chair. I said, jump into this. It's a geriatric one. And uh and and away she went and she she beat one of the girls that won a a silver medal in the soul. So I said, "Right, gee." You know, well, >> and she had a taste of victory.

[00:13:40]>> That's right. Exactly. And I said, "Well, look, you know, have a get a a a professional chair and aim for 92 Barcelona."

[00:13:49]>> And Andrew, just tell the audience just how good this girl is.

[00:13:53]>> Louise can go as far as she wants. You know, she's incredible talent and [snorts] you know, we've got a few more goals to reach yet. and uh a few more gold medals on the way hopefully.

[00:14:03]>> Well, thank you both for joining us.

[00:14:05][applause] [applause] >> You leave school at 15 to concentrate on your sporting career and almost immediately you bring home your first international gold medal from the World [music] Athletic Championships in Holland when you win the 100 meter track event. [music] In 1992, you win three gold medals at your first parolympic games in Barcelona. Then in 1996 in Atlanta, you do what no other Australian athlete [music] has done before. You take home both parolympic and Olympic gold. You earn your Olympic gold medal in the 800 meter track race. [music] You then wipe out your rivals in the parolympics by returning with four gold medals [music] and two world records. In fact, you now hold the world records in the 200, 800, the 1500, the 5,000 meter track events, as well as the 4x400 relay. It's not bad, ladies and gentlemen, isn't it? [applause] [applause] And it's no wonder that they call you hell on wheels.

[00:15:18]And while you're revered as the best in the world by your peers, there's plenty of ablebodied athletes who think you're pretty special as well. People like Shelley Taylor Smith, Melinda Gainesford Taylor, and Emma Carney who join us.

[00:15:32][applause] [applause] >> Thanks for coming.

[00:15:43]>> Thanks for coming. [applause] Now Shel, you can really relate a little, can't you?

[00:15:49]>> Well, we we're both from Perth. We've got the broad shoulders from the swimming and we're both from the same swimming club, Tor Swimming Club, but uh you know, she's been such an inspiration for me and she's whenever I'm in Perth swimming, you know, the first thing I see when I finish Touch the Finish line is Louise there at the finish and I've always been there to support her at the OS day 10K races. So, oh, it's just such a thrill to be here to share with you.

[00:16:10]>> Thanks.

[00:16:10]>> And Belinda, you saw Louise race in England this year.

[00:16:14]>> Absolutely. I was lucky enough to be in Birmingham and I saw her 800 meters which I was extremely nervous about but of course she came through one of her first gold medals. But there's one thing about Louise. Not only is she such a fantastic athlete, she's also a wonderful person. And I've admired her for many years. And I think anyone could deserve this night like you can.

[00:16:32][applause] >> And Emry, you met Louise at an airport, didn't you?

[00:16:35]>> Yeah. Uh Louise and I had to catch a plane together. And um I was struggling with my one bag. Louise had two chairs, three bags. And I was I thought, should I help her? And um I was looking around for the lift and by the time I'd found the lift, she was halfway up the elev escalator.

[00:16:51]>> So >> typical of her, huh? [laughter] >> Girls, thanks very much for joining us.

[00:16:57]>> [applause] >> having fun.

[00:17:01][applause] >> Yeah, Louise, you really are like no other athlete Australia has ever seen because not only do you conquer the world of track racing, you now go on to conquer the world of road racing as well. At first, there's the 10 kilometer OS day races which you win for the last six years. Then of course there's the 42 kilometer marathon wins. Honolulu, Los Angeles, and of course, most importantly, the prestigious [music] Boston Marathon.

[00:17:35]>> Absolutely phenomenal. Listen to the crowd.

[00:17:37]>> I think she got catcher. She must have slowed down a little bit towards the end. I'm in total shock. I didn't expect her to come by at the last second.

[00:17:45][applause] >> [applause] >> You take the crown from seventime Boston winner Jean Driscoll last year and then you do it again this year. Let's hear from one of your racing buddies, New Zealand's parolympic team captain Ben Lucas and that great rival of yours, Jean Driscoll.

[00:18:07]>> Good day, mate. How you going? Surprise.

[00:18:10]This is your life and I'm part of it. In honor of this momentous occasion, I have decided to wear the hat that you gave me after the 97 oz day 10K. [music] I'm also wearing the socks that you gave me with the fabulous scuba diving koala bears. My legs have never looked so good. Louise, I've really enjoyed racing against [music] you, especially when I've won. I know the reverse is true, but seriously, we've done great things in our sport and have taken it to new levels. The people in Boston love our rivalry. Congratulations on your show.

[00:18:40]Have fun and good on you. Mate, I've had a great time traveling with you over the last few years, and certainly rooming with you does present its own unique set of problems. Um, it's not the fact that I'm married, and it's not the fact that two weeks after my honeymoon, I was rooming with you on the other side of the world. Don't tell Tracy that. Um, the thing is that when you win these big races, there's no getting to sleep till 2 in the morning because the media is ringing up. You're just getting to sleep and then the phone goes again. Um, but as I said, that's cuz you're a legend.

[00:19:07]Lou, you're a great mate of mine. I've had a blast. So, this night's just for you. Enjoy it. [applause] >> Louise, by the ' 90s, your sporting achievements are recognized all over the world in two distinct sporting arenas.

[00:19:23]In 1992, you receive an Order of Australia medal. You back that up by being named Parolympian of the Year for three years. This year, you bring home six gold medals from the World Championships in England. Now, you're a hero to many, but you also have your own hero, and his name is Heint Fry, the greatest male wheelchair racer in the world, who tonight sends you this message from Switzerland.

[00:19:49]Hello, dear Louise and spectators in Australia.

[00:19:53]Now, I should be in your show as surprising [music] guest. I hope you have still fun to get my congratulation and best wishes this way. I'm proud to be your hero, but [music] I know that you with your great performance in wheelchair racing are an idol too. The reason for my success is having fun, my family, sport friends, also you Louise, because I feel well and comfort in our wheelchair [music] family. Take care, train hard and keep smiling, Louise, because I know you can do it so nice. Thank you, Louise. Thank you, Australia. All the best and have a nice evening. [applause] Now, as an elite athlete, you spend a lot of your time abroad, and that can be very lonely. There's not much time to develop friends, so you hold your true friends close to your heart. Like your old school friend, your best friend who did travel from that remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia, KAREN LONG.

[00:20:59]>> [applause] [applause] >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[00:21:14][applause] >> MA'AM, how long since you've two seen each other?

[00:21:18]>> Two years.

[00:21:19]>> Two long years by the looks of things.

[00:21:21]>> Very long.

[00:21:23]>> And when did you first meet? Uh Louis and I met in English class actually.

[00:21:27][laughter] Our um usual English partners were away for the day. So we sat together and the rest is history really.

[00:21:35]>> So what sort of things did you get up to?

[00:21:37]>> Oh, a lot we can't talk about.

[00:21:40][laughter] >> You were there in hospital with her?

[00:21:44]>> Yes.

[00:21:44]>> Karen used to come every day after school and and she'd come and visit me and we'd just wreak havoc.

[00:21:52]But yeah, >> and what else?

[00:21:55]>> And I actually used to hide in the curtains [laughter] >> after visiting time was over so that um I could stay there a bit longer. And [laughter] >> did you ever get caught?

[00:22:05]>> I think they knew she was there, but they didn't say anything. [laughter] I was really funny at the time.

[00:22:13]>> Karen, just tell us what you're hiding behind your back. I've actually got a special friend of Louise is behind my back and it's been with her for forever and ever and ever. But unfortunately, he's had to retire. And this is actually doggy.

[00:22:27]>> Doggy.

[00:22:28]>> Doggy. Doggy is Louise's most prized possession. And Louise has had doggy since she was born. And and she's taken him everywhere with her.

[00:22:38]>> He's retired from traveling now.

[00:22:40]>> Yes. Unfortunately, he's getting a bit cold. So, he's not able to travel. So I brought him as well tonight, Louis. So we had to sneak him out of your room. So he's here to congratulate you as well.

[00:22:49]>> That's great.

[00:22:51]>> Thanks, >> Karen. Thank you. [applause] [applause] Louis, you're not only an ambassador for Australian sport, but a great role model for all young athletes, disabled and able-bodied. You've shown us what can be achieved if you really really believe in yourself and your achievements are absolutely incredible and you are a great reason why we are all so proud to be called Australians. We sage this is your life. Thank you. [cheering] [music] [applause] Hey, [applause] hey, [music] [applause] hey.