Ellie Cole is one of Australia’s most decorated Paralympians — but this conversation isn’t about medals.

It’s about identity. Perspective. Family. Inclusion. And what resilience really means when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected.

Diagnosed with cancer at just three years old, Ellie underwent a leg amputation before she even formed memories of her early childhood. What followed was not just survival — but an extraordinary sporting career spanning four Paralympic Games and 17 medals, including six gold.

But behind the podium moments is a deeply human story.

In this episode, Ellie opens up about growing up with difference, navigating the emotional realities of childhood illness, and the quiet strength of her family during that time. We talk about the evolution of prosthetics and what it actually feels like to live as an amputee in a world still learning what inclusion truly means.

We also explore:


The psychology of competition and shifting definitions of success


Paralympic team dynamics and classification complexities


Body image, identity and visibility


Navigating sexuality and family acceptance


Motherhood and perspective


The mindset shifts that moved her from surviving to thriving

This episode will stay with you like it did with me. 

To follow Ellie click here: https://www.instagram.com/elliecoleswim/

//

▶︎ Join me on Instagram to let me know what your 'things you can't un-hear' moment was from this episode

https://www.instagram.com/maritza_barone/  

https://www.instagram.com/thingsyoucantunhear/ 

*If you love this show don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5 star review and subscribe!

Things You Can't Un-Hear Podcast | Self Improvement and Wellbeing Podcast

We always want to keep the conversation going with you. We want to know how you feel and what you think too! So here are all the ways you can join our community!

▶︎ Subscribe to the fortnightly email: Things You Can't Un-Hear Podcast | Self Improvement and Wellbeing Podcast

 

▶︎ Subscribe to our TYCU YouTube Channel to watch the show and our new LIVE EVENTS

https://www.youtube.com/@thingsyoucantunhearshow/featured

 

▶︎ To start a podcast of your own, connect with us at Guide Your Light Network,

visit https://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com/  Or email- info@guideyourlightnetwork.com

BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...

Timecodes:

02:38 Childhood Dreams and the Love for Swimming
04:15 The Reality of Competitive Sports
06:57 Shifting Perspectives on Success
08:50 The Journey Through Childhood Cancer
10:36 The Impact of Amputation on Life
12:53 Parental Perspectives on Childhood Illness
15:52 The Importance of Support Networks
18:58 Advancements in Prosthetics Technology
24:57 The Experience of Wearing a Prosthetic
29:21 Reflections on Life as an Amputee
30:26 Understanding Paralympic Team Selection
31:47 Multi-Class Events and Team Dynamics
33:42 Classification Controversies in Paralympic Sports
36:48 Personal Journey and Family Dynamics
44:52 Navigating Sexuality and Family Acceptance
50:01 Optimism and Advocacy for Inclusion
54:08 Challenging Perspectives Through Experience
56:05 Lessons on Change and Responsibility

Ellie Cole is one of Australia&rsquo;s most decorated Paralympians &mdash; but this conversation isn&rsquo;t about medals.
It&rsquo;s about identity. Perspective. Family. Inclusion. And what resilience really means when life doesn&rsquo;t unfold the way you expected.
Diagnosed with cancer at just three years old, Ellie underwent a leg amputation before she even formed memories of her early childhood. What followed was not just survival &mdash; but an extraordinary sporting career spanning four Paralympic Games and 17 medals, including six gold.
But behind the podium moments is a deeply human story.
In this episode, Ellie opens up about growing up with difference, navigating the emotional realities of childhood illness, and the quiet strength of her family during that time. We talk about the evolution of prosthetics and what it actually feels like to live as an amputee in a world still learning what inclusion truly means.
We also explore:
<ul data-start="1201" data-end="1514">
<li data-start="1201" data-end="1270">
The psychology of competition and shifting definitions of success
</li>
<li data-start="1271" data-end="1331">
Paralympic team dynamics and classification complexities
</li>
<li data-start="1332" data-end="1371">
Body image, identity and visibility
</li>
<li data-start="1372" data-end="1418">
Navigating sexuality and family acceptance
</li>
<li data-start="1419" data-end="1449">
Motherhood and perspective
</li>
<li data-start="1450" data-end="1514">
The mindset shifts that moved her from surviving to thriving
</li>
</ul>
This episode will stay with you like it did with me.&nbsp;
To follow Ellie click here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elliecoleswim/">https://www.instagram.com/elliecoleswim/</a>
//
▶︎ Join me on Instagram to let me know what your 'things you can't un-hear' moment was from this episode
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/maritza_barone/">https://www.instagram.com/maritza_barone/</a> &nbsp;
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thingsyoucantunhear/">https://www.instagram.com/thingsyoucantunhear/</a>&nbsp;
*If you love this show don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5 star review and subscribe!
<a href="http://www.maritzabarone.com/podcast" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view">Things You Can't Un-Hear Podcast | Self Improvement and Wellbeing Podcast</a>
We always want to keep the conversation going with you. We want to know how you feel and what you think too! So here are all the ways you can join our community!
▶︎ Subscribe to the fortnightly email: <a href="https://www.maritzabarone.com/podcast" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view">Things You Can't Un-Hear Podcast | Self Improvement and Wellbeing Podcast</a>
&nbsp;
▶︎ Subscribe to our TYCU YouTube Channel to watch the show and our new LIVE EVENTS
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thingsyoucantunhearshow/featured" data-testid="lazy-render-placeholder">https://www.youtube.com/@thingsyoucantunhearshow/featured</a>
&nbsp;
▶︎ To start a podcast of your own, connect with us at Guide Your Light Network,
visit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbW9haGdINmktVnNieE0wa01iNXVfTGw2MVdNUXxBQ3Jtc0tsTURGWkplcFhrT1g1SVd3QzhUdUxvOU1xSlNOZUlaVjMtMEJsdTRHczFBcXZhT1lhT2Jhd2hKSzYyZXB4UlFfb3Z6QWdqNHdqVDJRaTlhNUJmbkF6NWgyOUJBdk1LeEFpNVdDVWNJcTVTWjNJN3Yxbw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.guideyourlightnetwork.com%2F&amp;v=6oDY3IFLCTM" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">https://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com/</a>&nbsp; Or email-&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@guideyourlightnetwork.com" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">info@guideyourlightnetwork.com</a>
BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqblNRZ3F0dy1TbS1nWTR4Q3ZmWkIxQzBETTk3d3xBQ3Jtc0ttVy1ZeWREMzdmZWhhVENXdGpiY2ViV3VMd211SVQ2R012SERMZFk3NllkN2tqUEttRFFVb250bjNOSF83MHZldERLbnluN2F5dlgwb2hQU1N6WWEtZXRPUVdCSEJBcnZSOFo4aUpMMnpWZXg3ZUZhdw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSe4ruzVHrDAClljC0wqdxiGVioOR7ESKS7yax4uqttWvSykvA%2Fviewform&amp;v=6oDY3IFLCTM" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...</a>
Timecodes:
02:38 Childhood Dreams and the Love for Swimming 04:15 The Reality of Competitive Sports 06:57 Shifting Perspectives on Success 08:50 The Journey Through Childhood Cancer 10:36 The Impact of Amputation on Life 12:53 Parental Perspectives on Childhood Illness 15:52 The Importance of Support Networks 18:58 Advancements in Prosthetics Technology 24:57 The Experience of Wearing a Prosthetic 29:21 Reflections on Life as an Amputee 30:26 Understanding Paralympic Team Selection 31:47 Multi-Class Events and Team Dynamics 33:42 Classification Controversies in Paralympic Sports 36:48 Personal Journey and Family Dynamics 44:52 Navigating Sexuality and Family Acceptance 50:01 Optimism and Advocacy for Inclusion 54:08 Challenging Perspectives Through Experience 56:05 Lessons on Change and Responsibility

Has there ever been a time where you heard something that you simply could not un-hear... something that sparked you to create positive change in your life?

Some people call them "a-ha" moments, where something just clicks and you know the way forward. Those special moments help us to grow without the pain or heartache and this podcast was created to be a place for you to hear a special message that could just change everything. 

Welcome to the Things You Can't Un-Hear podcast with your host Maritza Barone.

We will introduce you to ideas, concepts and mindsets that will open your mind to a new world of well-being and personal life growth. Through eye opening interviews we elevate those creating positive impact for the collective and share insights that will shift you to become the happiest, healthiest, kindest and most compassionate version of yourself.

Connect www.maritzabarone.com & www.guideyourlightnetwork.com

Press play on this podcast if you want to:

▶︎ Find out how to live with purpose

▶︎ Learn new self-development techniques

▶︎ Listen to inspirational thought leaders

▶︎ Be the best version of yourself

▶︎ Find out how to speak and communicate your truth

▶︎ Gain valuable tips your your health, wellness and wellbeing 

▶︎ Be inspired to create your best life

▶︎ Learn from some of the greatest mindset experts and spiritual teachers around the world.

---

If you love this show don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

---

This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose

Website: www.guideyourlightnetwork.com

Email: info@guideyourlightnetwork.com

Has there ever been a time where you heard something that you simply could not un-hear... something that sparked you to create positive change in your life?
Some people call them "a-ha" moments, where something just clicks and you know the way forward. Those special moments help us to grow without the pain or heartache and this podcast was created to be a place for you to hear a special message that could just change everything. 
Welcome to the Things You Can't Un-Hear podcast with your host Maritza Barone.
We will introduce you to ideas, concepts and mindsets that will open your mind to a new world of well-being and personal life growth. Through eye opening interviews we elevate those creating positive impact for the collective and share insights that will shift you to become the happiest, healthiest, kindest and most compassionate version of yourself.
Connect <a href="http://www.maritzabarone.com">www.maritzabarone.com</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com">www.guideyourlightnetwork.com</a> 
Press play on this podcast if you want to:
▶︎ Find out how to live with purpose
▶︎ Learn new self-development techniques
▶︎ Listen to inspirational thought leaders
▶︎ Be the best version of yourself
▶︎ Find out how to speak and communicate your truth
▶︎ Gain valuable tips your your health, wellness and wellbeing 
▶︎ Be inspired to create your best life
▶︎ Learn from some of the greatest mindset experts and spiritual teachers around the world.
---
If you love this show don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
---
This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose
Website: <a href="http://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com">www.guideyourlightnetwork.com</a> 
Email: <a href="mailto:info@guideyourlightnetwork.com">info@guideyourlightnetwork.com</a>

Things You Can't Un-Hear

Has there ever been a time where you heard something that you simply could not un-hear... something that sparked you to create positive change in your life?

Some people call them "a-ha" moments, where something just clicks and you know the way forward. Those special moments help us to grow without the pain or heartache and this podcast was created to be a place for you to hear a special message that could just change everything. 

Welcome to the Things You Can't Un-Hear podcast with your host Maritza Barone.

We will introduce you to ideas, concepts and mindsets that will open your mind to a new world of well-being and personal life growth. Through eye opening interviews we elevate those creating positive impact for the collective and share insights that will shift you to become the happiest, healthiest, kindest and most compassionate version of yourself.

Connect www.maritzabarone.com & www.guideyourlightnetwork.com

Subscribe on YouTube to watch TYCU and also look out for our LIVE EVENTS:

https://www.youtube.com/@thingsyoucantunhearshow/videos

Press play on this podcast if you want to:

▶︎ Find out how to live with purpose

▶︎ Learn new self-development techniques

▶︎ Listen to inspirational thought leaders

▶︎ Be the best version of yourself

▶︎ Find out how to speak and communicate your truth

▶︎ Gain valuable tips your your health, wellness and wellbeing 

▶︎ Be inspired to create your best life

▶︎ Learn from some of the greatest mindset experts and spiritual teachers around the world.

---

This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose

Website: www.guideyourlightnetwork.com

Email: info@guideyourlightnetwork.com

Has there ever been a time where you heard something that you simply could not un-hear... something that sparked you to create positive change in your life?
Some people call them "a-ha" moments, where something just clicks and you know the way forward. Those special moments help us to grow without the pain or heartache and this podcast was created to be a place for you to hear a special message that could just change everything. 
Welcome to the Things You Can't Un-Hear podcast with your host Maritza Barone.
We will introduce you to ideas, concepts and mindsets that will open your mind to a new world of well-being and personal life growth. Through eye opening interviews we elevate those creating positive impact for the collective and share insights that will shift you to become the happiest, healthiest, kindest and most compassionate version of yourself.
Connect <a href="http://www.maritzabarone.com">www.maritzabarone.com</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com">www.guideyourlightnetwork.com</a> 
Subscribe on YouTube to watch TYCU and also look out for our LIVE EVENTS:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thingsyoucantunhearshow/videos">https://www.youtube.com/@thingsyoucantunhearshow/videos</a> 
Press play on this podcast if you want to:
▶︎ Find out how to live with purpose
▶︎ Learn new self-development techniques
▶︎ Listen to inspirational thought leaders
▶︎ Be the best version of yourself
▶︎ Find out how to speak and communicate your truth
▶︎ Gain valuable tips your your health, wellness and wellbeing 
▶︎ Be inspired to create your best life
▶︎ Learn from some of the greatest mindset experts and spiritual teachers around the world.
---
This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose
Website: <a href="http://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com">www.guideyourlightnetwork.com</a> 
Email: <a href="mailto:info@guideyourlightnetwork.com">info@guideyourlightnetwork.com</a>