For El Martin, sport has always been about more than competition. It has been a place to grow, connect and discover what is possible.
As a para triathlete, footballer and coach, El has embraced every opportunity to challenge themselves while creating opportunities for others. Whether racing in triathlon, coaching an All Abilities football program or advocating for inclusion, they are passionate about ensuring more people feel seen, supported and empowered through sport.
"I enjoy the challenge of all three sports of triathlon," El says. "The community that comes with it, and knowing the long training hours are worth it, makes it so special."
Sport has always been part of El's life, although the journey has not always been straightforward.
"The sense of community that comes with sport, as well as it being a safe space where you can push yourself to be the best version of you, has always kept me connected."
In 2024, everything changed when El experienced the onset of a genetic dystonia. Suddenly, the sports they loved looked very different.
"I feared that I wouldn't be able to be part of team or endurance sports."
With the support of an incredible physiotherapist and a determination to keep moving, El found a new way forward.
"My passion for sport pushed through. I was able to get back to all the things I love, just finding a new way to do it."
One of El's proudest sporting moments came when they trained with the Para Matildas for the first time.
"It was empowering to be surrounded by others who live with disability."
For the first time, accessibility and understanding were simply the norm.
"It changed the way I advocate for myself when playing."
That experience reinforced something El now carries into every leadership opportunity.
"You can't be what you can't see."
Today, El coaches Glen Eira Football Club's All Abilities program while mentoring young triathletes living with disability.
"It has shown me the importance of being a role model for young people who don't see people like them."
Encouraged by the President of Glen Eira Football Club and inspired by seeing other participants share their experiences, El applied for Empowered to Lead.
They entered the program hoping to learn from others and become "one per cent better every day."
One conversation, however, had a lasting impact.
"Exploring what it means to Play Like a Girl and how gender roles are placed on us, but more importantly how to break them."
As someone who is non binary, the discussion resonated deeply.
"Being non binary, I always feel the balance between masculinity and femininity challenging, more because of other people's opinions and trying to fit you into a binary gender."
The program created space to explore those conversations openly and confidently.
One of the biggest shifts El experienced through Empowered to Lead was recognising the value of their own voice.
"It showed me that my voice is important. Really important."
Living as a queer, neurodiverse person with disability, El admits there were times they questioned whether people would listen.
"That fear has been reduced knowing I have a group of people willing to push and support me."
That confidence was tested sooner than expected.
During the football season, challenges emerged with the team's former coach. Instead of staying silent, El reached out to the club captains and president to explain what was affecting both their experience and that of the team.
"They supported me in sharing what was affecting me and my enjoyment."
Positive changes followed.
"In the past I would have let it boil along, thinking it was just me. This time I stood up for myself and others in my team."
Looking ahead, El hopes to continue coaching while building a career in diversity and inclusion within sport.
"I want to continue pushing myself in coaching and hopefully positively impact more people's lives."
Their vision is simple.
"I really hope that gender is no longer a barrier for entry."
El wants every woman, girl and gender diverse person to have the opportunity to participate, lead and thrive without fear of exclusion.
For El, Play Like a Girl is about far more than performance.
"Play Like a Girl means that you are doing something with strength, supporting others, pushing yourself and being kind, always."
It is also about ensuring the next generation can see themselves reflected in sport.
"You can't be what you can't see. Young people need positive role models to guide them."
El's story is a reminder that leadership starts by finding your voice, backing yourself and creating space so others know they belong too.
.png){kind=icon}
.png)
.png)
.avif)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
