Empowering Elie’s Paralympic dreams

When Vanuatuan para-athlete and shot-put champion Elie Enock was first informed about the possibility of being fitted with a prosthesis, she remembers being hopeful.

“I never thought I’ll have a leg one day,” said the Stawell resident, who had lost her limb in an unfortunate accident in 2009. But now, the para-athlete was seeing a ray of sunshine with a promise of a prosthetic limb – largely made possible due to the support of Grampians Health, which funded the prosthesis, and the local community in Stawell, including the Northern Grampians Shire Council and Elie’s employer Thomas Foods International.

Elie soon arrived for her first appointment in Ballarat and Grampians Health’s prosthetics and orthotics team swung to action, working to fit her with a suitable prosthesis.

While the lack of a prosthesis has not stopped Elie from achieving impressive milestones in her sporting career – she won a gold medal for Vanuatu at the 2023 Pacific Games and qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games before being fitted with a prosthesis – a prosthetic limb would further support her performance. 

A prosthesis would provide the track and field champion with more independence in her daily life whilst improving her overall strength and conditioning to support her athletic journey, said Karina McAuley, deputy manager of Prosthetics and Orthotics at Grampians Health.

“A prosthesis can help with improving Elie’s muscle control, balance and posture to enhance her performance in her sport. Prior to being fitted with a prosthesis, Elie had to depend on crutches but now she can be more independent and confident.” 

For Elie, it meant several appointments at Grampians Health’s Ballarat site during which the prosthetics and physiotherapy team worked collaboratively to help Elie achieve her dreams of walking again. Meanwhile, her employer Thomas Foods International assisted her by providing transportation from Stawell for her appointments.

“The team here [at Grampians Health] was so friendly and kind when I met with them, and they patiently answered all my questions about the leg – both the advantages and the challenges I might have with it,” she said. 

After some preparation that involved building the prosthesis, Elie was fitted with her prosthesis earlier this year. She continued her appointments with the rehabilitation team who ensured she was comfortable and confident walking with her prosthesis. 

Ben Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, said that providing care that is responsive to local communities’ needs is at the heart of Grampians Health.

“Prosthetics can play an integral role in empowering an individual and we’re glad to have had a role in supporting Elie and her dreams and goals. She has already set a powerful example in the sporting world with her indomitable spirit, and we wish her the best as she looks to conquer new heights at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.”

After many months of training, Elie is now preparing to embark on a new chapter as she looks forward to competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“I really appreciate everything the team’s done for me, and I will treasure this for the rest of my life,” said an overwhelmed Elie. 

“I am very excited to be at the Paralympic Games and to be there with my new leg. I train for six days in a week; three days in the gym and three days in the field,” she said. 

Grampians Health team wishes Elie the best at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.