Dr Jessica Gallagher

Dr. Jessica Gallagher is one of Australia’s leading para-athletes, celebrated for being the first Australian (Olympic or Paralympic) to win medals in both Summer and Winter Games. With a remarkable career spanning four sports, including alpine skiing, athletics, track cycling, and rowing, Jess has consistently broken barriers along the way, and acted as a beacon of inspiration for everyone around her. 

Jess’s journey began in Geelong, where she was diagnosed with cone dystrophy, a rare eye disease that rendered her legally blind. However, despite this challenge, Jess excelled in netball and basketball, representing Victoria and earning recognition on a national level. At just 21, she discovered Paralympic sport and was initially selected for athletics at the 2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics, but was deemed ineligible due to her vision classification. Undeterred, Jess transitioned to alpine skiing, where she made her debut at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics. There, alongside her guide Eric Bickerton, she won bronze in the Women's Slalom, becoming the first Australian woman to medal at a Winter Paralympics.

Later returning to athletics, Jess's athletic prowess continued to shine, achieving historic success at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships. After another transition back to skiing, she won her second Winter Paralympic bronze in the Giant Slalom at the 2014 Sochi Games.

In pursuit of her long-term goal of being the first athlete to medal in both Summer and Winter Paralympics, Jess switched to track cycling. She made her debut in 2016, quickly becoming a World Champion and securing a bronze medal in the 1km Time Trial at the Rio Paralympics. Following her historic Rio performance, she also competed in rowing, debuting at the Commonwealth Games and winning multiple medals.

In recent years, Jess represented Australia in both rowing and cycling, culminating in a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in the women’s 1000m time trial for para-cycling track. Her unwavering dedication to her sport and ability to make tough decisions, such as prioritising cycling over rowing due to competition conflicts, further demonstrate Jess’s inspiring resilience and determination.

Outside of her athletic achievements, Jess is also a qualified osteopath and motivational speaker, renowned for her engaging keynotes that challenge audiences to rethink their perspectives. Her messages resonate deeply, drawing from her personal experiences and the theme "Are. You. Ready?". In recognition of her countless contributions to sport and society, Jess received recognition as one of 200 Women Who Will Change The Way You See The World, and in 2023, was an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences by RMIT University.

Jess Gallagher is not only a multi-sport champion but also a powerful advocate for change, motivating individuals everywhere to face their challenges with courage and confidence.