Para-archery
Melissa-Anne Tanner was glued to the television during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, it was then she got a glimpse of Para-archery. The world champion canoeist immediately wanted to give it a go.
Read MoreMelissa-Anne Tanner was glued to the television during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, it was then she got a glimpse of Para-archery.
The world champion canoeist immediately wanted to give it a go.
After 18 months Melissa-Anne was rated number one in Australia and was selected in the Archery Australia Para team for World titles in July 2023.
Born in Singapore, Melissa-Anne joined the Australian Airforce at 18-years-old, but a broken ankle in 2008 changed her life.
After unexpected complications the lower part of her right leg was amputated in 2011. Then, in 2021 her left leg was amputated because of a syndrome called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Melissa took up para-canoeing as a way to focus and in 2014, representing Australia in the RIO24 World Va’a Sprint Championships, she won 6 gold medals. Melissa was then selected in the Australian Canoe/Kayak Paralympic team in 2015, however due to a serious shoulder injury her dream of being an Paralympian in 2016 was dashed.
But her belief in herself remains steadfast, as does her belief that anything is possible.
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