Jamie's story is one of resilience and determination.

Diagnosed with a chronic pain condition at the age of nine, he struggled with pain for over a decade before undergoing a below-the-knee amputation at age of 22.

This decision became a turning point for him. Not only did it take away the pain he’d been experiencing for so long, it was also going to open the door to a world of athletic achievements.

Jamie's journey to the Paralympic stage wasn't without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles he admittedly faced was incontinence, a common yet largely unspoken experience among athletes, according to the Continence Foundation of Australia.

“When I first noticed my continence problems [following a spinal surgery at age 15] I kept it to myself as I didn’t understand what was going on,” Jamie explains.

“I had a catheter after surgery and I assumed it’s what happens when the catheter is first taken out. But after a few weeks I thought: ‘Maybe this isn’t right’. I mentioned it to a friend’s mother, who was a nurse, and she suggested some products.”

Juggling an active lifestyle with managing incontinence can come with its challenges, but Jamie refused to let the condition hold him back from achieving his goals.

He had to take a break from the sport due to his chronic pain and overall health, but he couldn’t be kept away too long!

How Jamie Gane Found Freedom Through Sports

Jamie's love for sport started early, with Judo his first passion before he also took on rock climbing, powerlifting and obstacle course racing (OCR).

His journey into OCR cemented his status as a trailblazer for adaptive athletes. He tackled over 100 gruelling courses, including the notorious World's Toughest Mudder, a 24-hour test of physical and mental strength.

Breaking the Silence on Incontinence in Sports

While conquering these courses, Jamie also faced the reality of incontinence.

Many athletes, both with and without disabilities, struggle with the condition and often in silence. The fear of leaks, accidents, and the attached stigma can stop people with incontinence from participating in sports altogether.

But it doesn’t need to.

And Jamie chose that latter path for himself. He openly addressed his experience with incontinence, becoming an advocate for athletes who face similar challenges. His story empowers others to prioritise their health, manage incontinence effectively, and chase their athletic dreams without fear.

“I don’t let incontinence stop me from living my life to the fullest,” says the athlete.
“Remember, you are not defined by your incontinence. You are strong, resilient and capable of anything you set your mind to.”

Championing Self-Care and Incontinence Management

So, how is Jamie, or anyone for that matter, able to manage incontinence while playing any level of sport?

It’s a combination of a few factors:

• Staying hydrated: It might feel counterintuitive, but trust us when we say that proper hydration is crucial for overall health and can help manage incontinence. Why, you ask? Well, our bodies need a steady supply of water to keep our kidneys and urinary system running and healthy. When we don’t drink enough, our urine becomes more concentrated, which can irritate the bladder and increase the risk of bladder irritation and urinary tract infections, potentially worsening incontinence symptoms.
  
  
• Planning and preparation: Athlete or not, you can benefit from planning bathroom breaks before, during, and after training sessions or any kind of social event. These scheduled breaks are also known as timed voiding, which involves going to the bathroom at scheduled intervals, regardless of whether you feel the urge to urinate.
  
  
• Open communication: Whether it be with your coach, teammates, family or carer, creating an open line of communication and supportive environment to discuss incontinence can make a big difference, especially to the mental health aspect of the condition. In fact, in a 2023 ConfidenceClub survey, 78% of participants shared that incontinence had an impact on their mental health. The more something is spoken about, the less stigma and the more people experiencing the condition can feel support from others.
  
  
• Finding the right incontinence care products: Using the right absorbent products based on your level of incontinence provides both comfort and confidence. Incontinence pants or pads and guards will offer a wearer peace of mind during everything from a supermarket run to training for the Paralympics!
  
  

We’re really proud of our Dailee range, which offers a variety of discreet and reliable products like those mentioned above. With rapid absorption, a flash-dry top sheet and an active odour lock for up to 12 hours, you can feel secure knowing that leaks won’t get in the way of your day.

Beyond the Physical: The Mental Game of Overcoming Incontinence

Managing incontinence goes beyond physical solutions. The mental and emotional aspects are equally important. Here are some tips inspired by Jamie's journey:

• Challenge negative thoughts: Replace self-doubt and embarrassment with positive affirmations. Focus on your accomplishments and celebrate your resilience.

• Seek support: Talk to a healthcare professional about mental health support. You can even connect with support groups to meet people who experience similar challenges which can be really rewarding and uplifting.

• Focus on what you can control: While you may not be able to completely control a health condition like incontinence, what you can control is your outlook and commitment to achieving your goals.

Jamie Gane's story is a powerful reminder that incontinence doesn't have to define you. With proper management, self-belief, and the right support system, anyone can achieve their goals.

He is an inspiration not just for Paralympians, but for all those who face the challenge of incontinence.