Background
Maroney was born with cerebral palsy. She initially kept her condition secret, but in 2007 she and her mother Pauline revealed her condition on the television talk show Enough Rope.
Maroney was born with cerebral palsy. She initially kept her condition secret, but in 2007 she and her mother Pauline revealed her condition on the television talk show Enough Rope.
She was four years old when she started swimming, and by the time she was seven years old she was competing in swimming carnivals. Before that she only competed in short distance events. After turning 13 years old she came to realise that she could do long swims.
After failing to graduate from high school she pursued her vocation.
In 1990 she became the first person to swim from Manly, New South Wales to Darling Harbour and back again in seven hours. That same year she also broke the speed record for swimming the English Channel, with the help of her mentor Des Renford.
In 1999, Maroney was admitted to hospital after suffering a severe asthma attack following a 675 lap swim for charity. Shortly after that she was arrested for driving under the influence, and although the charge was upheld, no conviction was recorded.
She later admitted she had suffered a mental breakdown at that time, and was treated for exhaustion.
She retired from swimming on 23 February 2003, officially ending her career by swimming from the Sydney Opera House to Manly.
Ambassador Australia Day, since 1993, Leukemia Foundation, since 1997, Asthma Foundation, since 1989, Rivercare 2000, since 1990, Special Olympics, since 1991, World Vision, 1999. Board directors Police Clubs. Patron Rett Syndrome Medical Research Team, Starlight Foundation, Handicapped Childrens Center Sylvanvale, Bonny Babes Foundation, Young at Heart Victor Chang Research.
Member steering committee New South Wales Women of Excellence Committee.