I have held a lifelong dream of representing Australia at an Olympic level since I was a young. In 2005, my life permanently changed when I had my right leg amputated. Over the next 7 years I struggled with life, but in 2013 I took up canoe/kayaking.

Little was I to know that in 2014, I would represent Australia in the canoe/kayak World Vaa Sprint Championship in Rio, Brazil, achieving an incredible 6 Gold Medals.

Once again my life took a turn, I was selected in the Australian Para Canoe/ Kayak team, I suffered a serious shoulder injury ruling me out of Para-Canoe/Kayak 2015 Worlds and Rio2016 Paralympics.

I still had my faith and believed that “Anything Is Possible”. In 2021, I took up archery following an inspirational viewing of the para-archers shoot during the Tokyo Paralympics.

My selection for the 2023 Australian World Archery Para and VI Championship Team for the World Championships in Pilsen, Czech Republic was a major step towards my dream of representing Australia at the Paris24 Paralympic games.

As one on many Para Athletes whose disabilities are permanent and complex,

I have continued to work hard on mastering my Archery technique, while maintaining my mental and physical health.

I feel proud and humble about my selection in the largest Australian Paralympic Archery Team in 40 years to compete in Paris24 Paralympic Games.

However, the excitement of making the team has been overshadowed by the huge increase in my training program, for me it is training 6 hours per day 6 days a week, plus 3 x' gym sessions. All this has a significant impact on my physical and mental wellbeing. Plus an increase in my costs for travel, archery equipment, attendance at appointments for my complex mental and physical needs.

My intention is do all that I can leading up the Paralympics, so that I will make you proud at the Paris24 Paralympic Games. They say it takes a Community to raise a child! Well, I believe that it takes a Country to support an Paralympian.

So, I ask that you show your support to me by making a donation, even a small donation, to let me know that you are behind me on my journey to Paris24 Paralympics.

Bless you

Melissa-anne Tanner