Ricki Coughlan first rose to prominence in 1991 when, as a middle distance runner in the sport of Athletics, it was revealed that she was transgender. Amid a flurry of media, which stretched around the world, Ricki worked with Athletics Australia and the the Australian Institute of Sport to explore a path forward.

The outcome was that Ricki became possibly the first public transgender athlete in Australia to be formally given a place in women’s sport. During this process Ricki found an Australia which was supportive and welcoming and a media which mostly celebrated her. She attributes this to the messages which came from the heads of Australian sport at the time.

Ricki occasionally consults with various sports in this space, is an ambassador for Pride in Sport Australia and an International Pro Ambassador for Athlete Ally. Her message is about the possibilities for all of us when we have positive, informed leadership.