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Champion cross-country skier
Janine Shepherd was a champion cross-country skier in training for the Winter Olympics when her life was suddenly and irrevocably altered during a training bicycle ride to the Blue Mountains. A truck hit Janine Shepherd and shattered her body as well as her dream of Olympic representation.
Her neck and back were broken in four places, and her right arm, collarbone and five ribs were fractured. Her right leg had been ripped open; she had sustained head injuries and massive internal injuries. She had severe lacerations to her abdominal area and had lost five litres of blood. The bleeding alone was enough to kill her.
Doctors warned her parents that she was not expected to survive her ordeal. Even if by some small chance she recovered, she would never walk again.
Determination and courage
But Janine Shepherd had a determination and courage that were crucial to her survival. Coming to terms with her shattered Olympic dreams, refusing to believe what expert medical staff were telling her about her chances of any kind of recovery, Janine Shepherd focused every sinew of her being on healing her broken body and crushed morale.
Fighting spirit
A fighting spirit was rekindled in Janine Shepherd as she watched small planes flying overhead. She made a decision: “If I can’t walk, I’ll fly.” And fly she did. While still covered in a full body plaster cast, Janine Shepherd was lifted into an aircraft for her first flight. That moment changed her life forever.
Private pilot's licence
Within a year Janine Shepherd had her private pilot’s licence. Despite remaining a partial paraplegic and with many physical challenges still ahead, she battled on to gain her commercial pilot's licence, her Instrument Rating, her Twin Engine Rating and her Instructors Rating. Janine Shepherd then went on to become a fully qualified aerobatics instructor.
Pushing the limits
Pushing the limits became familiar to Janine Shepherd. While she gained her flying credentials, she also pushed her body to mend itself, forcing her legs to walk again, step by painful step. Although doctors said she would never have children, Janine believes her greatest achievement is the three young children she now has. Janine Shepherd has since gone on to finish her University degree in Physical Education.
Defying the odds
Janine Shepherd’s story of defying the odds and winning is both moving and inspiring. The title of her best selling book, 'Never Tell Me Never' says it all. Janine has since written two more books, ‘Dare to Fly’, which was prompted by overwhelming public reaction to her first book, and ‘Reaching for Stars’. Janine Shepherd’s autobiographies have become classics in the survivor genre and have been best-sellers. Janine’s life story has been recently made into a feature film, also entitled 'Never tell Me Never', starring well known Australian actress Claudia Karvan. The story of her journey to hell and back is inspiring and uplifting.
In demand
Today, Janine Shepherd is in demand as one of Australia’s most sought after motivational speakers. She travels extensively in Australia and overseas sharing her story with others.
Award winner
A multiple award winner, Janine Shepherd was named as one of only ten recipients of the ‘Outstanding Young Persons of the World’ award for 1998 from Junior Chamber International and in 1999 was named as Australian Achiever by the National Australian Day Council. Janine was named in the 2001 Australia Day honours list when she was appointed as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia.
Board member of CASA
Janine Shepherd has served on the board of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the youngest and only female director. She is also the patron of the Australasian Spinal Research Trust and is committed to helping find a cure for spinal cord injury in the near future.
Inspiring story
Countless Australians have been captivated by the inspiring story of this remarkable young woman and her story of incredible courage and strength. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and one that will move and inspire all.
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