The Australian Paralympic team uniform was unveiled at Australian fashion week, showcasing some unique design modifications to make it more accessible for athletes.
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00:00 For myself, our Paralympic trials aren't until next month, so a couple of weeks away, which
00:06 relatively is quite close to the actual games.
00:09 So it can be really hard, I guess, during the tough training to be like, "Why am I still
00:15 doing this, putting myself through it?"
00:16 But when you can actually see it in person, it becomes that little bit more tangible.
00:20 And it's so exciting to see everyone together.
00:24 And I love, obviously, representing my country, and it's something I definitely want to do
00:28 this year.
00:29 Alicia Patterson, I'm sure you can guess her spot.
00:32 It is possible to create inclusion, accessibility in fashion as well.
00:37 We're athletes first and foremost, but we want to be able to look good and feel good
00:42 to do our best on the world stage, and showcase to the rest of the world too that you can
00:46 be an athlete, enjoy fashion, and perform at your best on the world stage.
00:51 It just really gives that confidence and exudes those Paralympic values of loyal, proud, and
00:56 fierce.
00:58 And obviously you've mentioned about the adaptable changes to the uniform.
01:02 How is that impacting your ability to wear the uniform?
01:06 Absolutely.
01:07 I think the inclusive features and the accessibility really makes it so much better for everyone.
01:12 I think accessible fashion definitely has a long way to go, but has come so far.
01:18 And it doesn't just benefit people with a disability.
01:22 It makes life easier for everyone.
01:24 So it makes you question, "Why wouldn't you want to do that?"
01:27 To start with, I know for myself, I have cerebral palsy on the left side of my body.
01:32 I also have a few other neurological conditions, which makes fine motor tasks very difficult.
01:37 So tying shoelaces, zips, little things like that really makes...
01:44 The little things you don't think about in a day-to-day basis, but can really impact
01:49 you and your confidence.
01:50 So to be able to have zip shoes, magnetic jackets, all those little things enables you
01:56 to feel confident in yourself and your ability to represent your country and feel good while
02:04 doing it.
02:05 Now we're just over 100 days out from the Games.
02:08 How's prep going?
02:09 It's going really well.
02:10 Obviously, we're in incredibly hard training at the moment, and that doesn't stop.
02:15 Our Paralympic trials are just under a month away in Brisbane in June.
02:20 So we're very excited, looking forward to that.
02:23 And then obviously the Paralympic Games are just over 100 days away.
02:28 So the hard work definitely doesn't stop.
02:30 It's only just getting started.
02:31 But I'm really excited to just see what I can do, do my best, and do myself, my community
02:38 and my family proud.
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