Making the impossible possible

When Daniel Ironside walked into ACU’s Strathfield Campus for Open Day, he wasn’t certain about his future – but something clicked. The campus wasn’t the biggest or flashiest, but it felt right. It felt like home.

“There was a genuine sense of warmth,” said Daniel.

“Staff were honest, enthusiastic and straightforward about what studying at ACU would be like. That family feel stuck with me.”

Now 25, Daniel is completing his Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, after finishing both a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and an honours degree at ACU. His path hasn’t been linear but it’s been purposeful, shaped by personal experiences, professional passion and an unwavering desire to make a difference.

Finding his way

Like many Year 12 students, Daniel finished high school feeling anxious about his future. The pressure to know exactly what he wanted to do – and how to get there – felt overwhelming. But with the guidance of a supportive careers advisor, he began exploring his options and discovered the ACU Guarantee early offer program.

“I was drawn to ACU not just because of the course content, but because of the community it fostered. It wasn’t about just churning out graduates – it was about building people,” said Daniel.

And that sense of being seen, supported and valued continued throughout his study experience. From his first undergraduate lecture to advanced clinical placements in his master’s, Daniel has found mentors, friendships and a sense of belonging.

“The staff have been phenomenal. I often call them my ‘academic parents’ – they didn’t just help me grow as a student, but as a person,” he said.

Learning by doing

Daniel thrives in environments where theory meets practice. One of the highlights of his time at ACU has been the university’s strong emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world experience.

“It wasn’t just about textbooks – it was about getting out there and using what we learned,” he said. 

“From placements to lab work to assessments that simulate real-world settings, I always felt like I was preparing for something bigger.”

His undergraduate placement was a turning point, his first real experience working with clients, where he discovered his love for helping people work toward their goals – whether that meant recovering from injury, improving health outcomes or learning to move again.

“That’s when I knew I wanted to be in rehabilitation,” Daniel said.

“There’s a joy in seeing people take even the smallest steps forward – literally and figuratively.”

A researcher at heart

Though Daniel never saw himself as a “natural” researcher, he developed a deep interest in research during his undergraduate years. He went on to complete an honours degree focused on stroke rehabilitation and co-authored a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the prestigious Stroke journal by the American Heart Association – a rare achievement for a student.

“Being part of something that could actually change clinical practice – that was huge,” Daniel said.

“And it came from people believing in me, giving me opportunities and encouraging me to try something I’d never considered.”

The research bug hasn’t left him. In fact, he hopes to blend clinical work with future teaching or research roles.

Shaped by family

Daniel’s decision to become an exercise physiologist (EP) wasn’t just academic – it was personal. Growing up, he played a major role in caring for his grandparents, all of whom developed neurological conditions.

“We spent a lot of time in hospitals and rehab centres, working with physios, EPs and other allied health professionals,” he said. 

“I saw firsthand the difference they made in helping maintain independence and quality of life. That experience really stayed with me.”

It’s one of the reasons he’s especially passionate about working with neurological populations – a focus that continues to guide both his clinical and research interests.

On the frontline

For the past two years, Daniel has worked at Westmead Hospital’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit as a physiotherapy assistant, supporting a small but mighty team of clinicians. Before that, he worked at Liverpool Hospital across multiple wards. The work is tough, rewarding and at times heartbreaking.

“It’s not the kind of job everyone can do. Many of our patients are young people who’ve experienced traumatic accidents. Communication is limited. Physical abilities are often severely reduced. But that’s where the magic happens,” he said.

Daniel recalls one patient who had been bedridden for months after a motor vehicle accident. One day, the physio team decided to try walking – a goal no one was sure would be possible. With family watching on, she stood. Then took one step. Then another. Eventually, she walked across the gym.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. That moment – it changed me,” he said. 

“It reminded me why I do this. Because even when something seems impossible, sometimes all it takes is time, trust and teamwork.”

Balancing life, study and a world record

If Daniel’s journey wasn’t impressive enough, he set a Guinness World Record. In January 2025, he broke the record for The Greatest Virtual Distance on a Static Cycle in 12 Hours (Male).  An incredible feat he achieved while juggling work and postgraduate study.

“One of my lecturers got me into competitive cycling, and it’s become a huge part of my life. It’s a way to challenge myself mentally and physically – and this record was my way of pushing those limits,” he said.

The road ahead

Daniel dreams of working as a clinical exercise physiologist in a hospital setting while also teaching or lecturing – ideally back at ACU, where his own journey began.

“To be able to give back to the university that shaped me – that would be a dream come true.”

He’s already played a key role as student representative for the 2025 ACU Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology Course Review and has assisted in oral exams for the program – early steps toward a future in education.

Daniel also draws on a personal philosophy passed down from his grandfather.

“We may not be bound to succeed, but we are bound to live up to the light that we have been given.”

For Daniel, this means acting with purpose, resilience and compassion – whether in a hospital room, a lecture theatre or the middle of a 12-hour cycling challenge.

And to students just starting their university journey, he offers this advice.

“Say yes to opportunities. Ask for help. Stay balanced. And remember – uni is just one part of your life. Make the most of it and don’t be afraid to chase big dreams.”

Because if Daniel’s journey shows anything, it’s that with heart, support and hard work, even the impossible is possible.

Want a journey like Daniel’s? Explore sport and exercise science at ACU.