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Back To NewsMethodical, yet underpinned by a powerful family bond.
Vanessa Low’s third consecutive Paralympic long jump title was the outcome of a precise return to peak form, guided by coach and husband Scott Reardon, after the couple welcomed baby son Matteo into the world after Tokyo 2020.
It was also brought about by the love and support of Low’s two biggest fans.
“They (Scott and Matteo) have been such a massive part of the journey,” Low said.
“I didn’t come back (to athletics) despite having a baby – Matteo changed me, making me stronger both physically and mentally.
“He really put things in perspective … he sees mummy coming down the runway and he copies that when he goes to his gymnastics class the next day… it’s very special.”
Low’s first Paralympic gold medal, at Rio 2016, was for her native Germany. Her second, at Tokyo 2020, was representing Australia. At Paris 2024, Low set a spectacular new world record of 5.45m in the first of her six leaps in the women’s long jump T63 to dominate the competition.
“After the first jump, the pressure fell off and I felt like this is where I’m meant to be – we’ve done so much hard work not leaving a single stone unturned in the last two years,” Low said.
“What keeps driving me is trying to be the best I can be. I love pushing myself on the big stage and I think I can jump six metres – I think that’s possible. I want to break barriers.”
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By: David Sygall
Published: 27 December 2024
