As we follow Carol Cooke’s personal journey, and following on from our previous post ‘When five become one‘ Carol shares with us a little about her motivation and how she has spent the past 11 years, believing in the impossible.

For the past few days I have been running around like “a chook with its head cut off”! Trying to get things done before we head to Penrith for our staging camp.

Now that I am sitting down to catch my breath it has really hit me…this is really happening! It has been months coming and it is really a bit surreal. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realize that I am actually a member of the Australian Rowing Team!

Just over 11 years ago, April 23rd, 1998 to be exact, I had a neurologist tell me that my life as I knew it was over, to go home and get my affairs in order before I became incapacitated and that because I had Multiple Sclerosis I would never do any sport or exercise again. There are times when I just shake my head and think “If he could see me now”, oh how wrong he was!

On that fateful day, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that my life would take the direction it has. When I am talking to groups I always ask them “What would you attempt to do if you knew that you could not fail?” I have always headed into situations not really thinking about whether or not I would fail and with this challenge, at this point, we have more than surpassed my expectations. We can only get better from here on in and I have great hopes for this crew. What we have accomplished in the last couple of months is extraordinary!

After our last campaign, attempting to qualify for the Beijing Paralympics, I really didn’t know if I would get another shot at representing my country. Lets face it, I am probably the oldest person to ever make the Australian team. At 47, well 48 next week, this was not what I envisaged for myself at this point in my life. But I have to say that my life has been ingrained with that great Aussie expression “she’ll be right mate”. This has shaped who I am.

I guess my greatest tool is my ability to believe in myself and my capabilities. I believe that you should live your life to the fullest, laugh, cry, scream, shout, whatever you want to do – just get out there and do it. If you don’t see yourself abseiling, caving or evening rowing for that matter – find that one thing you have never thought you could do and give it a try.

A friend of mine gave me one good piece of advice and that was “to live life without fear, confront all obstacles and know that you can overcome them. Nothing is impossible if we dare to face our fears and believe in ourselves.” Thanks for inspiring me Warren.

So I go into this next phase of this adventure with no fear and expecting the best. I have no doubt that the rest of crew will be thinking the same!

If we went into every day expecting the best, with no fear and belief in ourselves, imagine what we could achieve. What’s holding you back?

Carol Cooke is an inspiration to all who meet her. Attitude, perseverance, and commitment personify this engaging woman as she works relentlessly to help others live their dream.

I first met Carol through my work at the MS Society. While researching for the MS Show, I was inspired by Carol’s commitment to helping others with MS. With an incredible volunteer team, Carol developed and runs the 24 hour Mega Swim each year, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Go for Gold Scholarship program.

Having spent 24 hours, and more, at the pool with Carol and the team was an extremely rewarding experience. As every tick of the Fitzroy Pool clock went by, the cheers, comaraderie, support, smiles and generosity of all involved was evident. As I surrendered to the fact that I’d never sleep, I slipped into the warm water at 2am and revelled in the emotions and solitude that making a difference… even at 2am, can bring. And I wasn’t alone. The pool was filled with swimmers as they lifted their arms, and their hearts, to help others with MS.  

I was honoured to be MC at the inaugural 2007 awards evening with scholarships being awarded in the areas of art, education, music, travel, employment and sport. The atmosphere in the ballroom was one of thanks and celebration, and I will never forget the tears of appreciation as two special awards were granted for outstanding applications. The ability to be able to make real the dreams of others is a privilege, and I would encourage anyone interested to participate in this fabulous event.

Visit www.megaswim.com for more information, donations or to sign up for the 2008 events in Victoria, NSW and SA.

Carol’s outstanding contribution to assisting others was recognised in 2006 when she won a Pride of Australia medal in the role model category. That year, she also won Victorian Masters Athlete of the Year. With a plethora of sporting medals gracing her albums, she has also recently been awarded a Victorian Institute of Sport adaptive rowing scholarship as she aims for the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.

Having only taken up rowing in December 2006, Carol has already broken numerous national titles and exemplifies the meaning of dedication, commitment and living one’s dreams in everything she does. If you are interested in supporting Carol in her race for Paralympic gold, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

In Carol’s words, “I might have MS, but MS doesn’t have me” and despite all obstacles “nothing is impossible if you dare to face your fears and believe in yourself”.

An inspiration to all, I am glad I have had the privilege to meet this incredible woman, who not only inspires, but makes a difference in the lives of so many.

I am proud to call her my friend.

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