Born: 1990 (Schwerin, East Germany)
Biography:
Vanessa Low OAM (born 17 July 1990) is a German-born Australian Paralympic athlete who has made a profound impact on the world of sprint and long jump events. Born in Schwerin, East Germany, she grew up in Ratzeburg and always had a passion for sports. However, her life took an unexpected turn in June 2006 when, at the age of 15, she was struck by a train at a railway platform and lost her balance, resulting in a life-altering accident.
This tragic event severed Vanessa’s left leg and left her in a coma for two months. During life-saving surgery, doctors were forced to amputate her other leg. It was an unimaginably difficult and challenging time for Vanessa, both physically and emotionally. Nevertheless, she found the strength within herself to overcome adversity and embark on a remarkable journey of resilience and determination.
It took two years of unwavering dedication and perseverance, but Vanessa eventually relearned how to walk using prostheses. Encouraged by her indomitable spirit, she set her sights on pursuing her passion for athletics. Inspired by disabled long jumper Cameron Clapp, Vanessa decided to take up athletics in 2008, just two years after her accident.
In 2011, Vanessa made her debut on the international stage, representing the German national team at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand. There, she finished fourth in the long jump and won a bronze medal in the T42 100m sprint. This was just the beginning of Vanessa’s extraordinary career, as she continued to push herself to new heights.
Vanessa’s journey truly reached its pinnacle at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Qualifying for both the 100m sprint and long jump events, she demonstrated her exceptional talent and determination. Despite facing formidable opponents with one fully functional leg, Vanessa showcased her prowess by making it to the finals in all her competitions.
In the long jump, open across three classifications, she achieved a commendable sixth place with a best result of 3.93m. In the 100m sprint, she narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing in fourth place with a time of 16.78 seconds. Although Vanessa was disappointed with her performance, she sought guidance from her trainer, Steffi Nerius, and made the difficult decision to retire from competition.
However, Vanessa’s retirement was short-lived as she found herself drawn back to the sport that had become an integral part of her identity. In 2016, she competed in the Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the only actively competing female track athlete with two above-knee amputations. This fact alone bears testament to the exceptional strength and skill Vanessa possesses.
At the Rio Paralympics, Vanessa left an indelible mark on the history of athletics. She won the gold medal in the T42 long jump event, achieving a world record distance of 4.93m. Furthermore, she secured a silver medal in the T42 100m sprint. Vanessa’s remarkable achievements in Rio cemented her status as an inspirational role model and an embodiment of perseverance and triumph over adversity.
Vanessa’s dedication and unwavering determination persisted as she continued to make her mark on the international stage. In the 2020 Summer Paralympics held in Tokyo, she once again showcased her talent and resilience. Despite being classified as T61, Vanessa claimed the gold medal and set a new world record in the T63 long jump event.
Vanessa’s impact extends beyond her personal accomplishments as she continues to influence and inspire the world around her. Her unwavering spirit and refusal to let her physical challenges define her have left an indelible mark on society. She has become a symbol of strength and courage, encouraging individuals to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams, no matter the circumstances they face.
Throughout her career, Vanessa Low has shattered expectations and pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Her dedication to her craft, resilience in the face of adversity, and remarkable achievements have firmly established her as an iconic figure in women’s history and athletics.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, T42 Long Jump, 2016 Summer Paralympics (Rio de Janeiro)
– Silver Medal, T42 100m Sprint, 2016 Summer Paralympics (Rio de Janeiro)
– Gold Medal, T63 Long Jump, 2020 Summer Paralympics (Tokyo)
– Gold Medal, T63 Long Jump World Record, 2020 Summer Paralympics (Tokyo)