The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis seven years ago was no surprise to Jessica Gray, who had been struggling with health problems for some time. Her gut instinct told her there was something seriously wrong when she experienced paralysis from the waist down, so when the diagnosis was confirmed, it was not a shock, but a relief.

After a number of years, and a misdiagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, an MRI finally gave a 24 year old Jessica an answer – in vivid black and white. Her devoted husband threw in his job to care for Jessica during a severe relapse and a very dark time in her life.

Since then things improved greatly, with Jessica and her husband welcoming a son into their life in 2011. While achieving a Bachelor of Nursing, Jessica also took control of her health and body as best she could, educated herself about multiple sclerosis and the effects of a healthy diet and commenced gym training to improve muscle mass. She is now a qualified personal trainer and champion power-lifter.

Jessica was asked to train with the Paralympics Power Lifting Team at the Australian Institute of Sport, and since joining the team, Jessica has competed in more than 25 competitions. 2014 was a highlight, with her competing at the World Championships in Dubai, gaining her World #7 ranking and participating in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where she placed fourth, just missing out on a medal.

Jessica is now focusing on competing internationally again, in order to qualify for the next Commonwealth Games. She has also recently completed her post graduate certificate in Diabetes Education and is looking to focus more on her career, now that she can apply for a nursing job in education, where she is able to sit down.