I'm Anu, a 27-year-old para-triathlete from South Australia with my sights set on medalling for Australia in triathlon at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. I have a progressive and rare (one in a million!) form of Dystonia, which is neurological condition that causes a variety of impairments including hypertonia (high muscle tone), involuntary muscle movements, and gait abnormalities. Sport has played an integral role in coming to terms with my disabilities, having medalled for Australia in Badminton in 2018 and South Australia in Rowing in 2019. In 2020 I was talent-identified into triathlon and became National Champion in 2021 and Oceania Champion in 2022 & 2023.

I made my international debut in 2022, bringing home silver from World Triathlon Para Series Swansea, gold from World Triathlon Para Cup Alhandra, and bronze from World Championships in Abu Dhabi. This saw me finish my first season ranked 4th in the World. To qualify for Paris I need to stay in the World top 9 during the qualification period, which begins in July 2023.

I train and study full-time, and around this work in disability support, mentoring and advocacy, and as a triathlon coach. To qualify for Paris, I must gain ranking points through international racing to maintain my world ranking. In 2023, this will see me race in Australia and around the globe, including Asia and a three month summer racing block in Europe. Para-triathlon is an expensive sport, with equipment, training, coaching, travel, competition and accommodation costs, to name a few. Furthermore, the increased need to travel internationally in the lead up to Paris 2024 means less capacity for paid employment, loss of government study payments whilst overseas, and increased living expenses whilst overseas (e.g. medial, travel, training venues, accommodation).

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will get me one step closer to my ultimate dream of the Paralympics, and I will be forever grateful for your support. I am also seeking formal sponsors and partnerships, with a range of benefits on offer including logo positions on my Australian tri suit, so please contact me if this is something your business may be interested in. Please feel free to share with friends/family/colleagues/strangers and don't hesitate to reach out if you would like any further information or are able to help out in other ways by emailing: anufrancis.aus@gmail.com