A champion cross–country skier in training for the Winter Olympics, Janine Shepherd’s  life was irrevocably altered when she was run over by a truck during a bike ride to the Blue Mountains.

Her neck and back were broken in four places, and her right arm, collarbone and five ribs fractured. Her right leg had been ripped open, she had sustained head injuries and massive internal injuries. She had severe lacerations to her abdominal area, and had lost five litres of blood. The bleeding alone was enough to kill her.

Doctors warned her parents that she was not expected to survive her ordeal. Even if by some small chance she recovered, she would never walk again.

Coming to terms with her shattered Olympic dreams, refusing to believe what expert medical staff were telling her about her chances of any kind of recovery, Janine focused every sinew of her being on healing her broken body and crushed morale.

Her fighting spirit was rekindled watching small planes flying overhead. She said to herself, "If I can't walk, I'll fly." And fly she did. While still covered in a full body plaster cast, Janine was lifted into an aircraft for her first flight. That moment changed her life forever.

Within a year she had her private pilot's licence. Despite remaining a partial paraplegic and with many physical challenges still ahead, she battled on to gain her commercial pilots licence, her Instrument rating, her twin engine rating, and her Instructor's rating. She then went on to become a fully qualified aerobatics instructor.

Janine's story of defying the odds and winning is both moving and inspiring. The title of her bestselling book, 'Never Tell Me Never,' says it all. Janine has since written two more books, 'Dare to Fly', which was prompted by overwhelming public reaction to her first book, and 'Reaching for Stars', which was released in November 1998.

Janine was named in the 2001 Australia Day Honours list when she was appointed as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Today, Janine is much in demand as one of Australia's most sought after motivational speakers. She travels extensively in Australia and overseas sharing her story with others.

Countless Australians have been captivated by the inspiring story of this remarkable young woman and her story of incredible courage and strength. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and one that will move and inspire all.