AIS

Bleeding internally and spewing up blood, Michael Roeger tried to convince himself that he would be fine to run at the London Paralympics the next day. One lap into his race he collapsed.

When Jonathan Goerlach was 18, he worked as a barman. By 22, he couldn't walk around the pub without holding his mate's shoulder.

Ryley Batt's father would take him to the beach, throw him on the soft sand and make him struggle down to the shore. It might seem cruel, but it was the foundation of Batt's journey to becoming the world's best wheelchair rugby player.

In 2013, Sami Kennedy-Sim suffered a stroke that left her paralysed. Nine months later she achieved the unthinkable at the Sochi Winter Olympics.

In the middle of our oceans there are giant floating islands of rubbish.

In the aftermath of her 11th operation in 10 years, World Cup silver medallist Alex Bunton was given a choice between 'having a good life or not'. The 25-year-old Opal reveals her agonising decision.

More than 600 people attended the funeral, but Jenna O’Hea couldn’t bring herself to reveal how her uncle had died. The Opals basketballer soon discovered her family’s tragedy was part of a nationwide epidemic.

Two-time Olympian Lauren Wells and her coach Matt Beckenham had a 14-year race against the clock. Just as she scaled back training and got a full-time job, their moment of magic arrived.

Lakeisha Patterson has stared down cerebral palsy, epilepsy and online bullying. However, it’s the strength of her mother that leaves the Paralympic swimming star truly in awe.