Hi, I’m Krystel.

I’m a proud Special Olympics basketball athlete, gold medallist, and someone living with an invisible disability called Trisomy X.

Growing up was not always easy. I struggled with communication, social situations and coping when things changed unexpectedly. Because my disability is invisible, people often assumed I was just being “difficult” or “naughty.” I was often told I didn’t fit in — too capable for some support programs, but struggling in mainstream environments.

Sport became a huge turning point in my life.

Basketball was originally chosen to help improve my coordination and social skills, but it quickly became so much more than that. Unfortunately, mainstream sport didn’t always understand invisible disabilities, and there were times I felt isolated and left behind.

Then I found Special Olympics — and everything changed.

For the first time, I felt accepted exactly as I was.

In 2012, I represented South Australia at the Special Olympics Junior National Games. It was my first time travelling away with teammates and competing at a national level. I came home with four Gold medals and one Silver medal.

The funny part? I only got Silver in the 50m sprint because I slowed down near the finish line so another athlete could win Gold too. Apparently, I’m not very competitive when kindness is involved.

Since then, Special Olympics has helped me grow in confidence, independence and belief in myself. I’ve competed at State and National level competitions, made lifelong friendships, and experienced opportunities I never imagined possible.

My biggest achievement came in 2019, when I represented Australia at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, where my basketball team proudly won Gold for Australia.

Now I have the opportunity to compete again at the National Games this October.

I’m raising funds to help cover the costs of travel, accommodation, uniforms, competition expenses and training so I can continue representing my state, my sport and the invisible disability community.

Special Olympics is so much more than sport. It creates confidence, belonging, friendships and opportunities for athletes like me to shine.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps athletes with intellectual and invisible disabilities access life-changing opportunities through sport.

Thank you for supporting my journey — and for helping prove that invisible disabilities should never mean invisible potential.