‘Bullies came up to apologise’: How bullied teen Hannah Swinnerton turned her life around

Hannah Swinnerton has gone from being bullied to confronting her tormentors, starring in beauty pageants and doing a 70kg deadlift. Here’s her remarkable story.

Hannah Swinnerton says she has “gone from victim, to survivor, to thriver”.

My name is Hannah Swinnerton, and my life has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a passion for helping others.

From the very beginning, school was not an easy place for me. I endured relentless bullying from prep through to year 12, not just in the classroom, but online and even on my way to and from school.

I was targeted for not being skinny enough, not being seen as smart enough, and simply for being myself. The weight of those experiences took a toll on my mental health, and I was eventually diagnosed with major depression, borderline personality disorder, and an intellectual disability.

For years, I felt isolated, silenced, and misunderstood.

Hannah Swinnerton faced years of bullying.

But my story didn’t end there. In year 12, I stood before 600 students at a whole-school assembly and bravely shared the truth about what bullying was doing to me. That moment changed my life. Teachers and students applauded, and even some of the bullies came up to apologise.

For the first time, I realised the power of my voice – and I knew I was meant to use it to help others.

Since then, I have gone from victim, to survivor, to thriver. I have become a passionate mental health and anti-bullying advocate, speaking at schools, clubs, and community events to inspire others and remind them they are never alone.

I have been interviewed by Channel 7 News, featured in local newspapers and radio, and recognised through awards and titles in beauty pageants – from local competitions in Hastings to the national stage in Queensland. These opportunities have given me the confidence to share my message widely and prove that no matter your past, you can rise above it.

Hannah won first runner-up in the Face of Confidence Australia beauty pageant.

She worked hard to get fit and confident at the gym.

My journey of transformation continues in the gym. After years of struggling with my weight, I made a commitment to myself and began a fitness and weight loss journey in November 2023. Since then, I’ve lost over 30 kilos, achieved new personal bests – including a 70-kilo deadlift and a 65-kilo hip thrust – and discovered a love for running and strength training. The gym has become my safe place, where I feel like I belong. My long-term goal is to lose 100 kilos and continue building my strength – both physically and mentally.

Stepping out of my comfort zone, I also joined the Special Olympics to develop my swimming skills, make new friends, and embrace life fully. Every training session and event reminds me that growth comes from courage and pushing yourself beyond your limits.

Hannah says she now pushed herself out of her comfort zone and has been charting her progress on social media.

She’s a more confident version of herself.

Today, at 31 years old, I am the host of my own radio show and podcast Inspired to Soar with Hannah, on Radio Western Port. Through my show, I interview community leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who share their inspiring stories of resilience, growth, and purpose. My message is simple: your story matters.

I look back at the girl who once felt invisible and broken, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. My life motto is: “Believe in yourself, embrace every challenge, and never stop striving for greatness.”

I truly believe I was born to change the world. My story is proof that even in the darkest times, you can find your light – and when you believe in yourself, you can rise, shine, and soar.

Do you have someone who’s inspired you? Leave a comment below or email [e-mail]