New FrameRunner paves Olivia’s path to the Paralympics.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
New FrameRunner paves Olivia’s path to the Paralympics.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
For Olivia, FrameRunning isn’t just a sport, it represents freedom, independence and the opportunity to achieve something extraordinary.
Earlier this month, we were thrilled to present Olivia with her very own top-of-the-line FrameRunner, bringing her one step closer to her dream of competing in the Paralympics.
Funded by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF), thanks to the generous support of the Carcione Foundation, Olivia is now the proud owner of a state-of-the-art Danish-designed aluminium FrameRunner. Weighing in at just 12.5kg, it’s significantly lighter and more portable than her previous model, allowing her to train and compete more easily.
Dr Noula Gibson, Senior Physiotherapist at Perth Children’s Hospital, was instrumental in sourcing and fitting the new FrameRunner for Olivia.
Dr Gibson explained: “FrameRunning is an inclusive activity that allows people with conditions affecting their mobility or balance to engage in recreation and rehabilitation.
“While FrameRunning is growing in popularity in WA, there are still significant barriers for those wanting to compete at an elite level – one of the biggest being the cost of quality equipment. Thanks to PCHF and the Carcione Foundation, Olivia’s new FrameRunner goes above and beyond what is typically available through the NDIS, helping her take that next step toward her goals.”
Olivia was first introduced to FrameRunning in 2021, and recently decided she wanted to compete at the next level. Now training with her coach Chris and his daughter Maddy, she is preparing for her next big challenge: competing at the 2025 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships next April.
Olivia said: “When I was eight, I had surgery to remove a brain tumour. The tumour was successfully removed, but then they found a second tumour. After more than seven hours in surgery, the medical team decided to only remove the second tumour if it grows or becomes active in the future.
“Before my surgery, I loved dance and gymnastics, but afterwards I had to relearn how to walk and talk. PCHF has supported me throughout my recovery, and this new FrameRunner is a big step toward my ultimate goal of competing in the Paralympics.”
Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO, Carrick Robinson said: “It’s been fantastic to work alongside Noula and the team at Kids Rehab WA to help turn Olivia’s dream into a reality. Inspired by her determination, we were eager to see how we could support Olivia’s ambitions, and seeing her reaction to the new FrameRunner was absolutely priceless.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Carcione Foundation for their generous contribution. This FrameRunner is not just a piece of equipment – it represents a host of exciting opportunities for Olivia. We can’t wait to see what she achieves next.”
Help PCHF to turn more dreams into reality for WA’s sick kids and their families. Donate today.
