22-year-old Perth basketball player, Ella Thornton-Elliott, is preparing to represent Australia at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.

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She shared with Perth Live host Oliver Peterson that her hearing impairment is not the only challenge she’s faced, citing a lack of funding and monthly trips to Melbourne for Geckos camp, yet her determination remains strong.

“Really show people that we are not only deaf athletes but we are athletes and we want to be treated just like every other athlete that represents Australia,” she said.

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Image: 6PR