Susan Seipel is a diverse athlete with a background in swimming and equestrian. She proudly represented Australia at the Rio Paralympics, and won a Bronze medal in Para-canoe (kayak). At the COVID delayed 2020 Tokyo Paralympics she won a Silver medal in Para-canoe (outrigger canoe).

Please join and support Susan as she aims for GOLD at the Paris 2024 Paralympics!

Born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital (AMC), a rare disorder characterised by the fusion of joints and absent muscle formation in her legs. She had her 1st operation at only 4 weeks old, and was admitted to hospital 13 times before the age of 15.

Susan learnt to swim at the age of four as a form of physiotherapy and excelled at the sport. Susan held six Queensland State records between the ages of 13 and 15, and three Australian National age records in freestyle and backstroke. She also raced against her able-bodied classmates and was selected onto her high school swimming team. 

While swimming fueled her competitive spirit, Susan’s real sporting passion was riding horses and competing in dressage. After learning to ride at the age of seven, she set herself a goal of becoming a Paralympic champion. In 2006, she made her international debut in the sport at the Pacific Rim Para-Equestrian Dressage International Competition in Canada, where she won bronze.

Facing the financial strains of competing in Para-equestrian, Susan found herself looking for another sport to channel her energy into. In 2012, Susan attended a Come and Try Kayaking Day and was inspired to take up Para-canoe and keep her Paralympic dream alive!

In 2014, Susan attended her first Para-canoe National Championships and won three of her races, with personal best times. She was then selected to represent Australia at the 2014 World Championships in Moscow, Russia where she won her heat, and placed 6th in the final.

Determined to improve, Susan challenged herself to paddle both boats used in Para-canoe; the outrigger canoe and the kayak. Her hard work paid off at the 2015 World Championships in Italy where she won Bronze in the 200m kayak race and Gold in the 200m outrigger canoe race. She successful defended her outrigger canoe Wold Champion title the following year at the 2016 World Championships in Germany, and secured another Bronze medal in the kayak event for Australia. 

Susan Seipel proudly represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Paralympics Games, where she won a Bronze medal and was the first Australian in history to win a medal in Para-canoe at the Paralympic Games.

Following her Paralympic debut and continued international success, it was smooth sailing towards selection for Tokyo until the global COVID-19 pandemic threatened to 'sink' years of hard work. Despite the unprecedented postponement, Susan persevered with training in the face of uncertainty and won a Silver medal in outrigger canoe at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. Susan hopes that by sharing her story she can inspire others to overcome adversity and follow their dreams.

Your tax-deductible donation will help Susan achieve her goals and you will become part of her journey to the next Paralympic Games.

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International Highlights:

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• 2015 ICF World Championships (Para-canoe events) in Italy. Results: Gold medal in Outrigger Canoe and Bronze medal in Kayak.
• 2016 World Championships (Para-canoe events) in Germany. Results: Gold medal in Outrigger Canoe and Bronze medal in Kayak.
• 2016 Rio Paralympics Games (Para-canoe kayak event only) Results: Bronze medal.
• 2017 ICF World Championships (Para-canoe events) in Czech Republic. Results: Gold medal in Outrigger Canoe.
• 2018 ICF World Cup (Para-canoe events) in Hungary. Results: Bronze medal in outrigger canoe.
• 2019 ICF World Cup in Poland (Para-canoe events). Results : Silver medal in outrigger canoe.
• 2019 ICF World Championships (Paralympic games qualifier) in Hungary. Results : Silver medal in outrigger canoe and Bronze medal in kayak. Qualified 2 spots for Australia for Tokyo Paralympics.
• 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games (August 24th - September 5th 2021). Results: Silver medal in outrigger canoe.
• 2022 ICF World Cup in Poland (Para-canoe events). Results : Gold in outrigger canoe and Silver medal in kayak.
• 2023 ICF World Championships (Para-canoe events) in Germany. Results: Bronze in outrigger canoe and 5th in kayak. Qualified 2 spots for Australia for Paris Paralympics.

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