Indigenous Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics

When Telaya Blacksmith, a 16-year-old indigenous runner from Lajamanu, arrived at the Paralympic Village in Paris, she was greeted with heartfelt messages from her community. The remote Northern Territory township, known for its small population of 800, had sent drawings and letters of encouragement to support Blacksmith as she prepared for her debut at the Paralympic Games.

Blacksmith, who competed in the 400m T20 and long jump T20 events, was deeply moved by the support from her peers. She shared with the International Paralympic Committee, “Some of them said they were going to watch me… they are going to try to do the same thing as me.” The young athlete expressed pride in representing her community and was buoyed by the personal messages she received.

Adding to the special moments leading up to the Games, Blacksmith received a call from her hero, former sprinter Cathy Freeman. Freeman, who famously won gold in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, offered encouragement and advice. “She said don’t stress… have fun with it,” Blacksmith recalled, noting Freeman’s invitation for a cup of tea upon her return from Paris.

In her Paralympic debut, Blacksmith set new Australian and Oceania records in the 400m T20 heat with a time of 57.96 seconds, ultimately placing eighth in the final. Besides her track achievements, Blacksmith also excelled in Australian Rules football and was part of a special Sydney Swans AFLW academy.

Australia’s Paralympic team featured four indigenous athletes this year, including Blacksmith, Ruby Storm, Amanda Reid, and Samantha Schmidt. The team’s uniforms, adorned with Aboriginal artwork, reflected a celebration of indigenous culture. Reid, who successfully defended her gold medal in the 500m Time Trial, praised the design as "pretty bloody deadly."

The team also participated in a traditional smoking ceremony and established a "yarn circle" to foster camaraderie and support. Reid’s accomplishments extended beyond cycling; she aimed to compete in Para snowboarding at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina.

Ruby Storm, another notable athlete from the Wiradjuri tribe, expressed pride in being a role model for indigenous youth. She won silver and bronze at the Tokyo Games and competed in multiple events in Paris. Her journey, marked by overcoming challenges and sibling rivalry, continued to inspire.

Fans saw Blacksmith compete in the women’s long jump T20 and watched Samantha Schmidt in the women’s discus throw – F38. Meanwhile Reid clinched gold in the Para cycling road women’s C1-3 individual time trial and competed in the road race, showcasing the remarkable talent and spirit of Australia’s indigenous athletes.

Courtesy: International Paralympic Committee