Vanessa Low, a double-leg amputee from Australia, has won her third Paralympic gold medal in the women's long jump T63, setting a new world record in the process. Low, who also took home gold at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, jumped 5.45m at Stade de France on Friday morning AEST, breaking her own world record of 5.33m set in Canberra earlier this year.
Her closest competitor, Italian silver medalist Martina Carboni, recorded a best distance of 5.06m, while Switzerland's Elena Kratter claimed bronze.
Low's victory was a testament to her incredible resilience and determination, a quality that has been a hallmark of her career. Low's life was forever changed at the age of 15 when she was hit by a train. She lost both legs – her left above the knee and her right through it. She also suffered serious head and back injuries, and multiple broken bones. She spent two months in a coma and underwent nine surgeries. Her survival was a miracle.
Despite her injuries, Low refused to let her life be defined by them. She took up athletics and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the best long jumpers in the world. She competed in her first Paralympics in 2016, winning gold for Germany. In 2020, she won her second Paralympic gold, this time for Australia.
Low is not only an incredible athlete, but also a role model for others who have faced adversity. She has shown the world that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and that you can achieve great things even if you have faced challenges in life.
Breaking Barriers in Athletics
Low's success has been a source of inspiration to others, particularly those with disabilities. She has shown that it is possible to achieve great things even if you have faced challenges in life.
Low has said that she wants to jump six meters. It is a goal that many would consider to be unrealistic, but she believes that it is achievable. Low's determination is contagious and her drive to push herself further is an inspiration to us all. She said, "I love putting myself on the big stage, and I think I can jump six metres. When I first picked up the sport we were at 4.5m and now we are all pushing boundaries."
Low is not only setting her sights on new heights, she is also helping to pave the way for others who are looking to achieve their athletic dreams.
The Importance of Family Support
Low's success has been made possible by the support of her husband, Scott Reardon, who is also a Paralympic gold medallist in sprinting. Reardon has been coaching Low since she returned to competition after the birth of their son, Matteo. The couple welcomed Matteo into their lives in June 2022.
Low has been open about the challenges of being a mother and an athlete, but she has also said that Matteo has made her a stronger person. She has said that she has come back to competition because Matteo changed her as a person, and she believes he has made her stronger both physically and mentally.
Low has said that she is grateful for the support of her family. She has said that her husband and son have been a major part of her journey. She has said that she is so grateful to have them by her side.
A Pinch-Me Moment
Low's win at the Paris Paralympics was a moment of great celebration for her and her family. It was a moment that she will cherish forever. She said, "This is probably my most favourite moment in my entire career and, probably, life."
Low's performance at the Paris Paralympics is a reminder of the power of human spirit. It is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and that you can achieve great things even if you have faced challenges in life.
It is also a reminder of the importance of family support. Low's husband and son have been a constant source of support for her throughout her career, and they were there to celebrate her victory with her. The fact that she had her family by her side when she won her gold medal is a testament to the strength of their bond and it serves as an example that family support can make all the difference in achieving your goals.
Vanessa Low's journey is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and love. Her performance at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to her strength and determination. She is an inspiration to us all.
The Future is Bright
Low is not about to stop pushing herself. Her next big goal is to jump six metres. "I really want to see how far I can take this and inspire the next generation to pursue something amazing and push boundaries."
Vanessa Low is a true champion. She is a role model for others who have faced adversity. She is a source of inspiration to us all. Her story is one that will continue to inspire for many years to come.
