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For Taryn Dickens, being awarded this year’s Matthew Robinson Scholarship means much more than saying goodbye to rented skis.
Dickens was diagnosed at age 36 with the vision impairment cone-rod dystrophy. It altered the course of her career in the Navy and as an elite road cyclist and challenged her mental health.
Four years later, after a life-changing experience competing at the 2022 ADF Biathlon Championships, Dickens is “keen as” to compete at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Italy. She said the scholarship would help fund some of the coaching and equipment she needs.
“Being awarded this scholarship really cements that I do have that support behind me,” Dickens said.
“I was thrown into the world of disability at a late age. Now I know that I don’t just have my friends around me, there’s an actual organisation behind me.
“To have this funding, it cements that other people can see me on the snow giving it my absolute best shot. People can see the future I see.”
The Matthew Robinson Scholarship is provided by Disabled Wintersport Australia, Paralympics Australia and the Robinson family to help emerging Para-athletes meet some of the expenses associated with competing in winter sports.
It is in recognition of the legacy of the pioneering snowboarder who tragically died in 2014 due to complications after a crash while competing at a Para-Snowboard World Cup in Spain.
“I’ve read about the sad story of Matty,” Dickens said.
“He was doing great stuff and it’s a real honour to be chosen for a scholarship from someone doing something I would love to do. He definitely sounds like he was my sort of person.”
Disabled Wintersport Australia Chief Executive Jenni Cole said Dickens displayed similar qualities to Robinson.
“It is wonderful to see this scholarship go to a developing athlete who shows drive, initiative and determination, just as Matty did,” Cole said.
“DWA looks forward to continuing to support Taryn in her Para-Nordic pathway.”
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Catherine Clark noted that not since Vancouver 2010 has Australia had a competitor in the Nordic events.
“The opportunity for Taryn is there and she seems very determined to make the most of it,” Clark said.
“With such a great attitude and commitment, Taryn is a worthy recipient of the Robinson Scholarship.
“Thanks again to the Robinson family for their work in honouring Matty’s life by helping others achieve their dreams.”
As Robinson was, Dickens – who is Australia’s Invictus Games team co-captain – is dedicated to her sport.
After moving from road to track cycling due to her vision impairment, she heard that cycling skills transferred well to skiing. The ADF Biathlon Championship was coming up and she decided to have a go.
“I really loved it,” she said. “I loved pushing myself through that cross-country skiing.”
Dickens couldn’t do the shooting section of the biathlon because of her impairment but has since raised funds to buy a rifle used in VI competition, which uses an audio aiming device.
She also raised $20,000 to compete in a rookie race at the Para-Nordic World Cup in Utah, where she said the aim was to stay upright but she ended up matching it with much of the US development team.
Dickens plans to use most of the Robinson Scholarship to buy her own skis and competition wear, as well as engage specialist trainers.
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Posted 20 July 2023
