AUSTRALIAN Paralympic cyclist Emily Petricola OAM has been announced as an ambassador for the Carlton Respects 'Ride for Respect', to be held on Friday 1 December 2023.

The 43-year-old was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 27 and had to learn to live with the ongoing impact of the chronic illness which impacts a person's central nervous system. 

For Petricola, the symptoms have included constant fatigue, tremors through her arms and legs, tingling and nerve pain in her limbs and loss of some functionality in her hands.

Refusing to let this stop her, however, Petricola took up cycling in 2015 after being encouraged by Olympic rower Matt Ryan and worked closely with champion cyclist Shane Kelly to build her skills on the bike.

Since then, Petricola has gone onto win 10 Track/Road World Championships, a Gold Medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games and become the current world record holder in the C4 individual pursuit.

For her efforts and contribution to the sport, the former school teacher from Melbourne was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in 2022. 

The one-eyed Carlton supporter is excited to join the Ride for Respect and help raise awareness and funds for the Carlton Respects initiative, which aims to create a society of equality and respect in schools, communities and workplaces.   

Now in its second year, the Ride for Respect - hosted by Carlton IN Business - takes place in the picturesque surroundings of Healesville, with options for all levels of riders from beginners to true professionals like Petricola. 

You can join in on the Ride for Respect at the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort on Friday 1 December 2023. Find out more by clicking here.