Courtney Harbeck

Courtney Harbeck is a self-proclaimed chatterbox, and should she succeed in her first Paralympics, no doubt we’ll all be hearing about it. She is aiming for gold in the 100m and 200m sprints.

Success for Courtney has come not only in Australia, but abroad as well. Winning gold medals in the 100m and 200m sprints at the 2006 FESPIC Games in Kuala Lumpur is her greatest athletic achievement so far. The event was not all smooth sailing for Courtney, however, as it took her a while to adjust to the Malaysian way of preparing one of her favourite things: food. “I like my Aussie food!” she says.

Born vision impaired, Courtney’s disability has gotten her into the odd spot of bother. She has been almost hit by a car and surprised a complete stranger whom she thought was a friend with a hug. Being an extrovert, Courtney just takes all of this in her stride. Away from the track she is still making noise, relaxing by singing and playing the guitar.

After making the finals at several Australian athletics championships last year, it’s a safe bet that we’ll be hearing more from Courtney in Beijing.