Milly Taps Out On Her Own Terms 

Groundbreaking Para-table tennis star Melissa ‘Milly’ Tapper has announced her retirement after an outstanding playing career and signalled her intent to move into coaching. 

Tapper, from Hamilton in rural Western Victoria, became the first athlete to compete for Australia at Paralympic and Olympic level, finishing a four-time Paralympian, three-time Olympian and twice Commonwealth Games representative.  

“Thank you Australia, thank you sport, thank you table tennis, you crazy beautiful, whiplash-of-emotions game,” Tapper wrote on social media. 

“I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined, made some history along the way, and [feel] so privileged to call it a day on my own terms. 

“To my family and friends who are the backbone of who I am, thank you for being everything day in day out. 

“To my incredible coaches, support staff, sponsors, organisations and the everyday legends that have helped me on my way, I cannot put into words the true value of your support. 

“Triple double + 1 signing off. Coaching era loading.” 

Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin paid tribute to Tapper’s excellence, positivity and overall contribution. 

“Milly has been a much-loved member of the Australian Paralympic Team since London 2012,” McLoughlin said.  

“She consistently maintained the highest standards on and off the competitive stage and was always an amazing ambassador for her sport and the Paralympic movement. Her contribution to the incredible growth and success of Para-table tennis has been enormous.  

“Milly has always spoken glowingly about her pride in being a Paralympian and we’re so proud of everything she has achieved.” 

Tapper was part of the women’s Class 9-10 team that won the silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics alongside Qian Yang and Lina Lei. She took a four-month break afterwards, later revealing she “didn’t feel any great urge to get back into it”.  

However, she added: “We keep competing because we love the adrenaline that comes from playing in big tournaments and every time you do it, you want to be at your very best.” 

By David Sygall, Paralympics Australia.

Published 13 December, 2024.