Vanessa Low

Low began 2024 with a remarkable win in the women’s para multi-class long jump at the Melbourne Invitational, leaping 5.15m (1.2) after an earlier world-record-level performance at an unsanctioned meet in Canberra.

This set the stage for an historic year as Low prepared for two global benchmark events; the World Para Championships in Kobe, Japan, and the Paralympics in Paris.

In Kobe, Low claimed victory with a 5.29m jump in her T61 classification, marking her third world title and a triumphant return after a maternity break.

She continued her stellar season by securing a spot on her fourth Paralympic Games team, her second with Australia.

At the Paralympics, Low delivered a masterclass, clinching her third consecutive Paralympic title with a world-record leap of 5.45m (-0.3). Opening with a powerful jump that extended her record by 12cm, she matched this mark again on her fifth attempt.

A role model in resilience and leadership, Low demonstrates that parenthood and elite sport can coexist. Alongside her husband and coach, Scott Reardon, she raises their two-year-old son, Matteo, balancing family with rigorous training and competition.

Low is also a member of the Australian Para Athletics Team Leadership Group, serves on the World Para Athletics Athletes Commission, and engages in advocacy work, championing public transport safety and supporting childhood foundations.

Despite her achievements, she is driven by an even greater goal – to break the six-metre barrier, a feat no female leg amputee has ever accomplished.