FULFILLING PURPOSE AGAINST ALL ODDS

Linda davis suffered a severe in-utero oxygen deficiency-She was starved of oxygen as she developed in her mother's womb-and was born with cerebral palsy and a severe hearing impairment.Yet today,she is 3-times Women's World Deaf Golf Champion,having overcome adversity,negativity,pain and suffering to achieve her goals and prove that she can do anything that she puts her mind to. At a young age,Linda was enrolled in the Spastic centre(now Cerebral Palsy Alliance)where she recieved physiotherapy and mentoring and was encouraged to particpate in sports to strengthen her muscles and increase flexibility and ease of movement in her arms and legs.At the same time,having never heard a spoken word,linda was learning to lip-read and communicate verbally with sounds.She couldnt hear.She learned AUSLAN but admits she prefers the emotional connection she feels when lip-reading and speaking directly to a partner.She fought through physical pain at the age of 15,taking up swimming and golf. It soon became apparent that Linda was a bit of a natural on the golf course,catching the attention of trainers at Warrin-gah Golf club who provided Linda with free training to help her reach her full potential. ''When they asked me to join the NSW developmentSquad,It really gave me confidence to keep going and improve'',she recalls.It was here that Linda met Sylvia Donohue of Bonne Doon Golf club who became a great role model for Linda ''I really looked up to her.She gave me so much guidance,support and motivation''. Still suffering physical pain in her joints,muscles and back,Linda recieved regular cortisone injections and at times,morphine.Several doctors declined to perform surgery on her misaligned spine as the danger of permanent Spinal injury was too great. Linda battled through the pain,playing in the pennant team for Cromer Golf club,competing against British Open Champion-Edwina Kennedy. ''I knew i will get beaten but i thought i will give her a good game''.Making it to the 18th hole was one of the proudest moments of Linda's life. In 2004,Linda completed in the 5th WorlD Deaf Golf Championship in sweden,beating Candia Claudia Lepage by 14shots to become the Australian Women's World Deaf Champion. ''I was very lucky to have such a supportive parents''She said as she fought back tears.''They made me realise that i can be just like anyone in the world''Linda went to win the world Deaf Golf Championship not two but three consecutive years, Her advice ''BE YOURSELF.TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MINDTO''