The COVID lockdown in Melbourne could have been a moment of limitation for Mischa Ginns. Instead, it became a stepping stone to something great. Watching the Tokyo Paralympics, she did more than passively observe—she became a virtual supporter, purchasing online seats to cheer on Australian athletes.
Those virtual tickets became a meaningful connection to the sporting world and her inbox soon filled with emails about “give-it-a-go” days for para-sports. Badminton, a sport she had never considered, emerged as a unique opportunity that would change everything.
But Mischa’s story begins long before that moment—with a 2012 spinal injury that medical professionals claimed would define her entire future. They predicted she would never recover, even suggesting she be placed in an aged care facility. But Mischa’s competitive spirit, sharpened from her junior swimming days, refused to accept their limitations.
Although she had no experience in badminton and wrestled with self-doubt, she chose to attend a trial day. This seemingly small decision would alter the course of her life.
“I thought, I’ve never played badminton; let me go see what this is about,” she recalled. “I went along, and that was it. I was sold. I fell in love with it.”
Immediately, she was drawn to the sport’s technical complexities. Her competitive nature, combined with a deep love for learning, propelled her forward. Within six months, she had a coach. Within a year, she had won three Oceania titles—a testament to her extraordinary potential.
Mischa and her coach, Vee-Vian Chong, at the VICTOR Oceania Para Badminton Championships 2022
The same competitive spirit that had helped her recover from her injury now propelled her into a new arena of athletic excellence.
“I really enjoy excelling and also enjoy the training aspect of it and seeing results from the training,” she said. “I think, just having quite a competitive nature, it kind of all came together for me. I was quite surprised, to be honest, because when I went to the come and try day, it was nearly ten years after the injury.”
Over the next two years, Mischa experienced impressive growth in the sport. Following her maiden Oceania titles, she made a bold decision: to invest everything into badminton.
Leaving behind her accounting career, Mischa committed herself to training, dedicating up to six hours each day to practice on the court. Every hour, she boldly defied the limits others set on her body and potential.
Her first international tournament in Peru in November 2022 brought a bronze medal—proof that her dedication was translating into tangible success. Since then, she has travelled across the globe, competing and connecting with athletes from every corner of the world.
Last year, she fought hard in several overseas competitions to gain selection for Australia to compete at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Heartbreakingly, she was forced to withdraw last minute due to illness.
Mischa practicing on the court at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Photo credit: Paralympics Australia
Even with this setback, Mischa remained undaunted. Earlier this month, she returned from an international campaign with two podium finishes at the Spanish Para Badminton International – II. Three years into her badminton journey, her passion continues to grow.
“The more I do it, the more passionate I’ve become about it,’ Mischa said. “Because as I’m learning, I then realise how much more there is to learn and that there is so much technically involved, not only from a badminton perspective, but learning wheelchair skills as well.”
The mental challenges of para-badminton became as crucial to her journey as the physical skills. Dealing with nerves and self-doubt was a significant part of her growth. “When I first started, the pressure really got to me,” Mischa admitted. “But the more I’ve trained and the more I’ve competed, I feel like I’m starting to find my space and to have confidence in myself.”
After years of struggling with imposter syndrome, Mischa reached a breakthrough. For the first time in her career, she feels truly confident in her abilities. “In Spain, I was able to play my game and execute the way I wanted to, where before I felt like I was just chasing my opponents’ shots,” she explained.
Mischa’s focus is already on qualifying for the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028. She has a busy tournament schedule ahead, so she is serious about her training. In this next block, her focus is on building her strength and gameplay. A clear vision drives her long days of practice.
“I want to be on the podium. That’s my ultimate goal.”
Reflecting on her journey, Mischa’s story is one of pure tenacity: “After my spinal injury, they told me I would never walk, and I can ambulate on crutches now. They wanted to put me into an aged care facility after my spinal injury because they told me I’d never, ever recover. So, to be able to play badminton on the international stage is so rewarding for me based on where I’ve come from after my spinal injury. It’s given me so much hope for the future as well.”
In just three short years, Mischa has transformed from a hopeful spectator to a formidable international para-badminton athlete. And this, she knows, is only the beginning.
