Ipswich and District Athletic Club’s Kyra Domrow graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast with social work degree

The inspiring Ipswich athlete temporarily put her Paralympics dream on hold to welcome her new baby into the world. After a monumental year, she is ready to begin a new chapter.

Para-athlete Kyra Domrow has graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

A national sporting champion who has overcome significant hurdles to achieve greatness is set to embark on a career combating domestic violence.

Para-athlete Kyra Domrow, who was born and schooled in Ipswich, walked the stage with seeing eye dog Esme to collect her four-year degree from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Ms Domrow, 23, has a genetic vision impairment and put her Paralympics dream temporarily on hold to welcome now three-month-old Killian into the world this year.

Kyra Domrow at the Queensland Open Championships in 2018.

The shot put and discus champion’s family moved north to Bowen when she was a youngster and she now lives in Sippy Downs on the coast.

But Ms Domrow, who went to school at the Ipswich Adventist School and Sacred Heart School in Booval, still trains on familiar ground with the Ipswich and District Athletic Club.

Incredibly, she finished her degree a day before she went into labour.

With her bub in the audience, Ms Domrow officially received her Bachelor of Social Work at a ceremony at USC last week.

“Social work has offered me a unique perspective on society and allowed me to really appreciate the diversity here in Australia,” she said.

“To be able to graduate with this particular degree now during a time where social workers are desperately needed is truly an honour.

Kyra Domrow and her dog Esme at the USC graduation ceremony.

“And I believe that an area we’re needed in is family and domestic violence.

“It’s a dark part of our nation that we love to talk about but not really act on.

“I want to be a part of that change.”

Ms Domrow was awarded USC’s $20,000 June Canavan Para-athlete Sport Scholarship to help her pursue her sporting and academic goals.

It was at age 13 when her vision started to deteriorate.

Esme crossed the stage at the USC Stadium too, having obviously played an integral role during a life-changing year.

“She crossed the stage because she did the degree too,” Ms Domrow said.

Read more stories by Lachlan McIvor here.

Originally published as Ipswich and District Athletic Club’s Kyra Domrow graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast with social work degree