Malachi Canning is a para-athlete who represents Australia. His involvement started young, participating in yearly school carnivals, when a visit to the paediatrician lead to a surprise suggestion that Malachi try competing in para-athletics. The following year, at the age of 8, Malachi attended his first para-athletic games.
I needed something to do, like a goal in life, and I was always good at throwing stuff, and running.Malachi Canning
Malachi has dreams for the Paralympics, with plenty of work to do and is focusing on training, working with his coach, and conditioning his body. Malachi’s intensive schedule includes gym and training sessions throughout the week, with additional times to work on strength to target weak areas. In preparation for events as well as travel, Malachi's learnt the importance of stretching, while yoga, meditation, and a healthy diet lay the foundations for success.
Malachi competes in various categories of long-jump, discus, and shot-put, but his favourite by far is javelin. Malachi says that throwing the javelin like it's a spear stirs cultural connection when out on the field, speaking to a cultural practice which runs through his veins.
It’s culture to me. It's like my ancestors are watching me throw my spear. And I get really excited when I throw it because I pretend there’s kangaroos out there and I'm hunting them... it’s really cultural, you know?
Malachi speaks about how athletics can be mentally exhausting at times, but that it also comes with plenty of enriching rewards; the connections he has built with competitors and coaches both nationally and internationally, strengthens Malachi's mental focus and health.
I’ve got mates that I met when I was like 5 or 6 from athletics, and they’re still my mates to this day
Days after this interview Malachi was set to compete at the Virtus World Athletic Championship 2025 in Brisbane, expressing that he was truly blessed by giving thanks to God, his coaches, and all the people who support him along the journey. Malachi also encourages other people living with disability to adapt to new situations, stay focused, believe in yourself, and most of all, dream big.
Believe in yourself, chase your dreams. Simple as that, ‘cause if you ain’t got dreams, you ain't living your life right
Malachi has ambitious goals he has no shame in sharing, training for the days he will set records, win trophies and make his dreams a reality.
Medals, records, world records, everything. I know that sounds greedy, but I got dreams, big dreams
The Speak My Language (Disability) program is an initiative funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Framework. It is proudly led by ECCNSW and the primary national Partners are ECCV, ECCQ, MCCSA, MCNT, MCOT, ECCWA, and our national broadcasting Partners SBS.
Podcast Tile Artwork: Paul Constable Calcott
