Four years ago, Josh Hanlon was an up-and-coming product of the GIANTS Academy, but following a triple amputation he is now preparing for his first Winter Paralympic Games.
Born and raised in Weethalle in the central west, Hanlon progressed through the GIANTS Academy alongside Riverina products Jacob Hopper, Harry Himmelberg, Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming, Zach Sproule and Matt Flynn.
At the age of 20, Hanlon was rushed to intensive care with a severe bacterial infection that caused his internal organs to shut down.
Hanlon was put into an induced coma and after multiple lifesaving operations, his right hand and both of his lower legs were amputated.
"I was in an induced coma on and off for a couple of weeks. I just got brought in and out [of consciousness] to learn about amputations that were going to happen," Hanlon recently told ABC News.
Proudly walking on his prosthetics within two weeks of his illness, Hanlon immediately set out to relish the opportunity provided to him.
"It is hard to actually think about all the negatives, all we ever talk about is the funny stories and the positive stuff that came out of it," he said.
"Sport has always been a huge part of my life, so nothing changed.
“When I got out of hospital, I was always on the lookout for sports to try out and have a go.
"I started out with wheelchair basketball on a Wednesday at Wagga and that has always been great fun."
A year after leaving hospital, Hanlon was invited to Perisher and took to the slopes to try sit skiing for the first time.
By the 2019/20 season, he was on his first overseas trip with the Australian Winter Para-alpine development squad.
"The coach of the Australian team was an American who was at the trial and said, 'go across to Park City in Utah and try out the program there’,” he said.
"I did that stint in the US and really got the hang of it, and the ball just hasn't stopped rolling from there."
Hanlon made his world championship debut at the 2022 Para-Alpine World Championships in Norway, where he placed eighth in both the Men’s Sitting Giant Slalom and Slalom.
His results in Norway were enough for him to be selected for Australia's Paralympics squad, with his event scheduled for March 10.
"It didn't quite feel real until the announcement meeting," he said.
"It's been such a crazy season. I've loved every second and I can't wait to finish it off at the Games."
GIANTS ruckman Matt Flynn progressed through the GIANTS Academy program alongside Hanlon and says he’s excited to watch him in action later this month in Beijing.
"I can’t wait to watch him and support him on the TV,” said Flynn.
"For someone so fit, healthy and athletic to battle such a serious illness was a shock to everyone, it was devastating, but see him bounce back and now be on the world stage is beyond inspiring.
“Just seeing him participate will be awesome but hopefully he can snag a medal."
WHERE TO WATCH:
Giant Slalom, Thursday 10th March, first run at 1pm, second run at 5pm
Slalom, Saturday 12th March, first run at 1pm, second run at 4:30pm
