SHE WASN'T EXPECTED TO SURVIVE. NOW OLIVIA, WHO HAS DOWN SYNDROME, IS A FILM STAR
When Olivia Hargroder's mum was pregnant, she was told her baby's heart condition was apparently incompatible with life.
Twenty-seven years later, Olivia, who has Down syndrome, is the lead actor in a feature film and is about to share her story with the nation.
The Redcliffe dancer and actor is the subject of tonight's episode of ABC TV's Australian Story.
Born with Down syndrome and defying the odds
Olivia was born with Down syndrome and a serious heart condition, the ABC reported.
At just nine weeks old, she had heart surgery with a 20 per cent chance of survival.
She pulled through, and needed more heart surgery again at 18.
Her mum, physiotherapist Kerry Read, and her sisters Emily and Lucy have been by her side every step of the way.
Kerry told the ABC that anyone who meets Olivia quickly sees that optimism is at the heart of everything she does.
A teenager who took matters into her own hands
At 15, tired of falling over and breaking bones, Olivia wrote to orthopaedic surgeon Dr Jeremy Bartlett and asked for his help.
He operated on both of her knees, giving her more strength and stability.
That same determination took her all the way to the United Nations in New York, where she spoke on World Down Syndrome Day in 2017.
From the dance floor to the big screen
Olivia studied at NIDA's Open Young Actor's Studio and has worked with the disability-led production company Bus Stop Films since 2021.
She now stars as Sonja in the feature film Boss Cat, written and directed by Genevieve Clay-Smith.
Sonja is a 23-year-old fighting to keep her home after her mother dies, and the film features krumping, a high-energy style of street dance.
Boss Cat premiered at the Sydney Film Festival in June.
It will be released generally on 3 December, the International Day of People with Disability.
For Olivia, landing the role was a dream come true.
Life off screen
When she isn't acting or dancing, Olivia works at a supermarket.
She gets around on an enclosed mobility scooter that she cheekily calls the "Popemobile".
And she has big dreams, including dancing on Broadway and touring with Taylor Swift.
A message for all of us
Olivia's message to the world is wonderfully direct.
"Give people with Down syndrome a red hot go," she told the ABC.
It's a reminder that people with disability are too often underestimated, at school, at work and in the arts.
Stories like Olivia's show what can happen when someone is given the chance, the support and the stage to shine.
How to watch
Australian Story's episode about Olivia, called Bring it On!, airs tonight, Monday 2 November, at 8pm on ABC TV and will be available on ABC iview.
Keep an eye out for Boss Cat in cinemas from 3 December, and consider taking the whole family.
Ways to support inclusion
If Olivia's story has inspired you, there are simple things you can do.
Seek out films, shows and books made by and with people with disability, and share them with friends.
Support local inclusive dance schools, theatre groups and sporting clubs in your area.
If you're an employer, think about how your workplace could welcome people of all abilities.
And most of all, take Olivia's advice and give people a red hot go.
Even small acts, like speaking directly to a person with disability rather than to their carer, can make someone feel truly seen.
A star on the rise
From a baby given little chance of survival to a leading lady on the big screen, Olivia Hargroder has already defied every expectation.
With her talent, her family's love and that trademark optimism, we have a feeling this is only the beginning.
