Janet Shaw (cyclist) facts for kids

Janet Lucy Shaw (born 7 October 1966 – died 3 December 2012) was an amazing Australian athlete and writer. She was a tandem cyclist who couldn't see well. She was born with an eye cancer called retinoblastoma. When she was 33, she lost her sight completely.

Janet started representing Australia in cycling at the 2002 IPC World Cycling Championships. She and her cycling partner, Kelly McCombie, even broke world records! They won two bronze medals at the 2004 Athens Paralympics. Janet also wrote books, including stories for kids and young adults. She passed away in 2012 after a long illness.

About Janet's Life

Janet was born in Perth on 7 October 1966. She had a type of eye cancer called retinoblastoma from birth. As a baby, she had one eye removed and received treatment for the other. Janet was adopted as a baby, along with three other children. Later, she found out that her biological father was a well-known media person.

When Janet was eight, she went to a school for students who were blind. She felt this school was very strict and had a difficult time there. At 33 years old, Janet lost her sight completely. In 2008, she faced a serious health challenge. Even when things were tough, Janet made a "bucket list" of things she wanted to do. This included riding on a motorbike, kayaking with dolphins, and visiting a special retreat with her dog. Janet passed away on 3 December 2012.

Janet's Career and Books

Before becoming a full-time writer and athlete, Janet worked as a social worker for ten years. After she lost her sight, she started writing many books. She wrote two books about her own life, called Beyond the Red Door (2004) and Bit of a Superhero (2012). These books shared her experiences with her health and blindness. Janet also wrote books for young adults and was a speaker who inspired many people.

Janet's Cycling Journey

After losing her sight in 2000, Janet discovered tandem cycling. This is where two people ride one bike, with the person in front steering and the person behind pedaling. She tried it at a special event and loved it! Janet said she "loved the feel of the speed as we were flying along."

With her first tandem partner, Fiona Scarff, Janet represented Australia at the 2002 IPC World Championships in Germany. She won a silver medal and three bronze medals there. In 2003, she won a gold medal at the European Cycling Championships. She also broke a world record at the 2003 national championships.

Before the 2004 Athens Paralympics, Janet and her new tandem partner, Kelly McCombie, broke two more world records! They were incredibly fast. At the Athens Paralympics, Janet and Kelly won two bronze medals. They earned these medals in the Women's Road Race / Time Trial Tandem B1–3 and the Women's Individual Pursuit Tandem B1–3 events. Janet was coached by Andrew Bludge and Darryl Benson.