The 27-year-old (pictured), who will be looking to make it a hat-trick of 400 metres T53 world titles in New Zealand, was paralysed in a car crash at just seven years old and spent four months in a rehabilitation hospital where she was introduced to Paralympic sport.

"I think it was probably about a year after I left hospital that I went out and first practised with the team," said the United States Olympic Committee's 2007 Paralympian of the Year.

"I ended up loving it and just stuck with it.

"The hardest thing about Paralympic sport is really the very start.

"I hear this in track and wheelchair racing a lot.

"My advice is 'stick with it and discover what it is that you are good at, what you enjoy and go with that sport - or sports if you're lucky enough to be good at two'.

"I think it's so rewarding and my personal passion is that everyone should stay fit and be active."

Galli, one of the most recognisable Paralympians in America, burst on to the international scene at just 16 years old when she claimed a silver medal in the 800m T53 at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

She followed this up in 2002 with three medals, two of which were gold, at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lille.

Two fourth placed finishes at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games were a disappointment for the United States athlete but she bounced back at the 2006 IPC Athletics World Championships in Assen, the Netherlands, by successfully defending her 400m title and claiming bronze in the 800m.

But it was at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games that Galli had her finest hour as she won five medals including gold in the 400m T53 event in a world record time.



Galli claims that her track successes are a reward not only for her but for her parents who encouraged her to take up Paralympic sport.

"As a youngster they put in a lot of hours, especially my dad who was my coach for a couple of years while I was in high school and as a teenager," explained Galli.

"During my teenage years I did wonder why I was doing it all.

"I think I wouldn't have even gone to practice had they not dragged me.

"I was reluctant to go and try it out but my dad continued to push and still does today.

"My parents are just so dedicated and just want to see me succeed.

"I think people forget that your family travels with you all these years and they've been to three Games with me.

"So to finally win Paralympic gold in Beijing for myself was great but I won it for them as well, especially my dad.

"He always uses the 'we' instead of 'me' as he thinks we are a team in his mind.

"At times it can be frustrating but it's a really great thing so I really know how they must have felt when I won in Beijing.

"It's all worth it when you're family is happy.

"I'm really glad my dad took such an interest and he actually still coaches under-18 athletes today.

"He was active himself when he was younger but he wasn't a coach or anything until I got interested in track and field - then he took it up.

"He's become really active and he stands up for the athletes because he's had me and he knows my perspective, so it's really great."

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