I ended up in a wheelchair at the age of 21, but a lot of people are more interested in my upbringing.

I was made a ward of the state at the age of seven, as a result of domestic violence and abuse, so I was brought up in foster care and then through Boys Towns. That was my childhood.

My partner fell pregnant, and our first child was just born when I had my accident and our lives were turned upside down. It was then that sport became an outlet, and helped give me an understanding of life after my accident.

Even though I couldn’t provide an income for our family, it was as if through sport that I was showing the kids that, with a positive outlook and self-belief, you can get where you want to be.

I played wheelchair basketball for Australia, and then transferred to rowing in 2011, which is where I guess I found my calling. I’ve since been lucky enough to go to two Paralympic Games (with a third, hopefully, next year), become a five-time world champion and multiple world record-holder.

I’ve also been at rock bottom, and I know it takes more of a person to ask for help than someone who puts up a wall and says ‘I’ve got no issues’.

I wouldn’t change anything that I’ve gone through in my life. Without it, I wouldn’t be the athlete, or the person, I am. I didn’t allow my childhood to define me. You’re the person that designs your picture frame. Society doesn’t.