[7] As a deaf swimmer, Bailey wasn't able to hear the starter gun despite her success at the Deaflympics.

Bailey was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1985 for her services towards the sport and for her dedication despite having deafness.

[13] At the 2005 Summer Deaflympics held in Melbourne, she was given the honour of lighting cauldron (flame bearer).

[citation needed] Cindy-Lu Bailey married Rodney, an Australian surfer.

At present, she works at the University of Newcastle as Auslan Professor and also serves as the Technical Director of swimming for the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf.