Para athlete Joanna Robertson stars in our latest short video documentary as she charts her path into wheelchair racing.
Joanna’s story is inspirational in so many ways and is told graphically via the footage shot by Urbane Media for scottishathletics.
The Aberdeen AAC athlete suffered life-changing injuries in a car crash in 2019 but is now energised by moving into Para sport in Scotland – including her highlight when racing the London Marathon.
In our film shot superbly by videographer Calum McCready, Joanna talks about her need for speed in a custom made racing wheelchair and how coach Phil Owens guides her through the challenges of the sport.
It’s the second short documentary from Scottish Athletics with Olympian Zoey Clark having told her story in December 2023.
‘In 2019, my family and I were involved in a car accident,’ Joanna says in the film.
‘The car lost control and unfortunately we crashed. I sustained a spinal cord injury that resulted in myself becoming paralyzed from the waist down. I could no longer feel or move my legs. I was fortunate. I still have my hands. I still have my upper body. I could still lead an independent life.’
In time Joanna found the inner strength to rebuild her life – and the para sport wheelchair racing has played a significant role in that.
‘Prior to my accident, I was a keen swimmer. I first heard about wheelchair racing from my physio, Claire, and she mentioned Sammi Kinghorn. Samantha Kinghorn is a world renowned wheelchair racer.
‘And of course I Google her up and I see wheelchair racing. The women there looked strong, compassionate, determined and they made it look so cool. And I was like, I want to do this.
‘When I first got into a race chair, I felt so much joy. I realised how quick I can go.
‘And I discovered more about myself, you know, I discovered how much stronger I can be and I had more goals and aspirations from that. You get in that race chair and become part of the machine.’
Joining Aberdeen AAC and working with coach Phil Owens propelled Joanna to the Para athletics pathway in Scotland.
After barely three years in the sport, Joanna awaits the next steps in the journey with eager determination. And great persistence.
‘If I can give myself advice when I first started wheelchair racing, when I…
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