Athletics: Thanks to hard work and dad

Injured in a car crash as a 7-year-old in 1991, Jessica Galli was left paraplegic and spent four months in a rehabilitation hospital.

It was during that time in hospital that she was introduced to sport.

"It was probably about a year after I left hospital that I went out and first practised with the team," said Galli.

"I ended up loving it and just stuck with it."

Now, the American is a dominant female wheelchair athlete, a world record holder with a career that has shown her the world.

Galli arrived in Christchurch this week preparing for what could be her final IPC Athletics World Championships and naturally she was in reminiscent mood.

The 26-year-old, who is aiming for her third 400m T53 world title, credits her parents with making her career.

"As a youngster they put in a lot of hours," said the six-time Paralympic medal winner who was coached by her dad as a teenager.

"During my teenage years I did wonder why I was doing it all.

"I think I wouldn't have even gone to practice had they not dragged me.

"I was reluctant to go and try it out, but my dad continued to push and still does today. He'll call me and ask how was my training and what speed did I hit? And I'm like 'Dad, you are not my coach anymore!' But my parents are just so dedicated and just want to see me succeed."

Galli has made her parents proud time and time again.

Eleven years ago, at 16, she claimed a silver medal in the 800m T53 at the Sydney Paralympic Games.

She followed this up in 2002 with three medals at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lille, France - gold in the 400m and 800m and silver in the 100m.

She had a disappointing showing at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games with only two fourths but this acted as further motivation.

In 2006 at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Assen, the Netherlands, she successfully defended her 400m title and claimed bronze in the 800m.

At the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Galli won five medals - gold in the 400m in world record time, silver in the 100m, 200m and 800m, and a bronze in the 4x100m relay.

Beijing was a fitting reward for her own hard training but also for her family's support and sacrifice.

"To finally win gold for myself was great, but I won it for them as well, especially my dad.

"He always uses the 'we' instead of 'me' as he thinks we are a team in his mind.

"At times it can be frustrating but it's a really great thing and so I really know how they must have felt when I won in Beijing.

"It's all worth it when you're family is happy."Peter Thornton