Elite athlete Natasha Price is nominated as a finalist for the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year.

For elite athlete Natasha Price being a Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year finalist adds to a long list of accolades and achievements. VOTE HERE >>

For elite athlete Natasha Price being a Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year finalist adds to a long list of accolades and achievements.

The top-flight wheelchair racer is an Auckland Marathon champion and Queensland champion in three track events and more.

These are her own words on her journey and what being a finalist in the awards – by Harvey Norman – mean.

VOTE IN THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

“In 2008 I became blind and paralysed from the neck down almost overnight due to a rare disease I didn’t know I had. I was bed-bound for nine years, convinced by others my life could no longer amount to anything. That I should let go of my hopes, dreams and big goals for the future.

Woman of the Year finalist Natasha Price pictured at Upper Coomera. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

Today I’m an elite wheelchair racer, entrepreneur, volunteer, speaker, awards winner and author. I am a change maker and narrative shifter.

I use the power of my story to help others, demonstrating an insatiable zest for life and showcasing infinite possibilities for anybody wishing to chase fulfillment despite adversity.

I draw on the feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness and fear I felt at my lowest, as well as my natural drive, motivation and determination as an athlete to teach inclusion, disability awareness, resilience, passion and purpose.

Being female isn’t always easy.

Woman of the Year finalist Natasha Price pictured at Upper Coomera. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

We have so many pressures from years of condit-ioning about what it means to be female, how to act, what you should do, what your priorities should be. Sadly we often allow the thoughts and feelings of others to dictate our actions.

But in reality you can not serve others around you without first serving yourself.

The most important qualities any woman can have is the courage of her convictions, certainty in her path and not allowing the opinions of others to make her stray from that path in life.

I’m so proud to be a Champions of Sport finalist not because of recognition for my achievements in my sport but visability to disability.”