Born with Type 1C Usher syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes deafness and progressive loss of vision, Ms Sandles took up rowing in her early school years.
“Since before school, I was always involved in some sort of sport. However, it wasn’t until I got to high school that the opportunities were vast and plentiful,” she said.
“This hard work showed me what it’s like to have a real love for something and how much you could really work for it.
“As a deaf person, sport — whether it is through school or the deaf community, is a big social outlet for me and it has been some of the best times of my life.”
Now, at just 18, she's vying for a spot on the paratriathlon team for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“I want to show others with a disability that nothing can stand in your way,” Ms Sandles said.
“I want to be a role model for others with a disability, and inspire other regional students like me to dream big.”
With a strict training regime, COVID-19 had a massive impact on Ms Sandles’ path to the games.
A member of a Melbourne rowing team, she was originally scheduled to participate in the 2020 Paralympics with her group. But she was separated from her teammates by the `ring of steel’ during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“I wanted to continue with my team, but living in Shepparton during lockdown I couldn’t travel down to train,” she said.
Now, with an invitation from Paratriathlon Australia and the support of a Youth Grant from Deaf Children Australia, Ms Sandles is preparing for the paratriathlon tryouts this year.
She's been touring the nation as she competes and trains for the 2022 event — while also starting a sports science degree at the University of Queensland.
“Last year, I changed sports from rowing to triathlons which has been an exciting but very steep learning curve for me,” she said.
“For the Commonwealth Games in 2022, I need to qualify in the top 10 ranking in my class _ the women PTVI para, in the world.”
Beyond her studies, Ms Sandles hopes to work with regional deaf students, to inspire them to lift their own expectations through her story of grit and determination.
“I want to represent Australia, and to raise awareness about Usher syndrome,” she said.
Nevertheless, the chance to participate in the games wouldn't be just a personal sporting achievement.
Profoundly deaf and steadily losing her vision, the trip to Birmingham would also be one of Ms Sandles’ final chances to travel and explore the world before her sight deteriorates too much.
“The world has a lot of different experiences to offer, and I want to have the chance to see all that I can,” Ms Sandles said.
“Now, I am also able to capitalise on my vision loss as well and aspire to elite sport . . . because you never know what’s around the corner.
“That’s my hope for the future.”
To donate to support Ms Sandles’ journey, head to https://asf.org.au/athletes/support-maggie-to-comm-games-and-beyond/
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