Unstoppable Mia Wilkinson talent-spotted for Brisbane Paralympics after horror quadruple amputation

She faced genuine fears she would lose her life or never walk again after she endured a horror quadruple amputation at age four, but now little Mia Wilkinson has been identified by coaches as having potential for the Brisbane Paralympic Games.

She’s unstoppable – from fears she would lose her fight for life or never walk again, little Mia Wilkinson is now a hope for the 2032 Games.

The now 10-year-old captured national headlines in 2018 when a cruel case of sepsis forced the quadruple amputation of her limbs.

But, from the day she strapped on her first training legs at the age of five, Mia was “never going to be a spectator”.

It can now be revealed she has been identified by coaches as having potential for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Mia has been selected for the Queensland Track and Field team and is training in the 100m for the National School Sports competition in Tasmania this month after a journey from wobbly, painful first steps to pounding the track on ergonomic blades.

Mia Wilkinson has been selected as a member of QLD track team and would love to be part of the 2032 Paralympics in her hometown. Photo: Tara Croser.

She’s fast, she’s determined, she loves every minute of the freedom of movement that comes with racing – and she has her sights set on the 2032 Brisbane Paralympics.

“Mia was never going to live life as a spectator. She clawed herself back to life when she was on life support in intensive care,” mum Amy said.

“Her situation was dire, but Mia has a very special courageous personality. She can master most things she puts her mind to.”

Premier and Minister for the Olympics and Paralympic Games Annastacia Palaszczuk told The Sunday Mail Mia is a prime example of the spirit of the 2032 Games in Brisbane.

Mia Wilkinson in Hospital after her horror diagnosis.

“Mia is what having our own Games are all about. It’s the opportunity for Queensland kids to compete in an Olympic or Paralympic Games at home with their friends and family cheering them from the stands,” the Premier said.

“Already 4820 Queensland children have tried out in our You For 2032 talent search, connecting them to elite coaches to make their Olympic and Paralympic dreams come true. This is the power of sport: to unite and inspire. Good on you, Mia. We are all cheering for you.”

The Sunday Mail has followed the Indooroopilly State School student’s incredible journey from having her limbs amputated at the age of four after developing sepsis and getting a comfortable new pair of legs with the help of a $30,000 donation via The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.

Mia, who has two siblings, Ellie and Max, had only just learned how to ride her bike and within days she went from a cheeky, vibrant kindy kid to fighting for life.

Sepsis developed as her body’s immune response to influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus and an invasive streptococcal A bacterial infection.

Mia Wilkinson at home with her family at Indooroopilly. Picture Lachie Millard

“At one stage her heart stopped and we thought she was gone,” Amy said.

On November 10 2017, Mia had her arms amputated below the elbow and later on January 3 she lost her legs.

“Back then I had so many fears about what was ahead of her but now when I see her running the 100m, I just cry,” Amy said.

“Imagine balancing on your knees on top of stilts, that’s what it is like when she straps on prosthetics. In the beginning it was very painful as her scars continued to heal. But determination is her middle name.”

Mia is dreaming big and has her sights on the 2032 Brisbane Paralympics. Photo: Tara Croser.

Brett Jones, a veteran Paralympic coach, said Mia shows grit.

“It’s a tough journey to make it to the Olympics and she is still very young but she is enjoying her running and the potential is there,” he said.