Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 7, 2024 10:59 pm GMT
Australian Paralympian Telaya Blacksmith Celebrates Community Support and Cultural Heritage
Teen athlete from remote Northern Territory receives love from home before her first Paralympics in Paris
In a poignant moment of connection before her competitive debut, 16-year-old Telaya Blacksmith arrived at the Paralympic Village in Paris to find a special parcel awaiting her. The young indigenous athlete, hailing from Lajamanu, a small community of around 800 in the Northern Territory, received drawings and letters of encouragement from school children back home as she prepared to compete in both the 400m T20 and long jump T20 events at her first Paralympic Games. “Some of them said they were going to watch me… they are going to try to do the same thing as me,” Blacksmith shared with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Expressing her pride, she added, “I’m very proud of my community and I’m happy that I’m here competing for them.”
A Message from a Legend
Blacksmith’s journey to the Paralympics has been filled with moments that feel surreal. Among these, she received a personal call from her idol, former sprinter Cathy Freeman, who achieved Olympic glory by winning gold in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Freeman reached out to offer her support and encouragement, reminding Blacksmith to “relax and enjoy the experience.” Blacksmith recounted, “I was very nervous and shocked,” recalling Freeman’s invitation for tea upon her return from Paris, thus emphasizing the importance of mentorship and role models in sports.
Breaking Records and Gaining Recognition
Blacksmith’s performance in the heats demonstrated her skill and determination. She broke both the Australian and Oceania records with a time of 57.96 seconds, successfully qualifying for the final in the women’s 400m T20. Though she finished eighth in the final, her achievements signal a bright future in athletics.
In addition to her track credentials, Blacksmith is also involved in Australian Rules football, participating in a special Sydney Swans AFLW academy. Her teammates are eagerly tuning in from afar to support her as she competes in Paris. “I like (footy) because it’s a team sport… it’s very fun,” she noted, adding, “But I also like athletics and being by yourself competing.” This unique situation illustrates Blacksmith’s versatility and passion for sport.
Recognizing Indigenous Representation
Australia’s Paralympic team boasts four indigenous athletes this year, highlighting a growing representation in sports. Apart from Telaya Blacksmith, Ruby Storm (Para swimming), Amanda Reid (Para-cycling), and Samantha Schmidt (Para discus) are also competing. The team has embraced their cultural heritage by featuring Aboriginal artwork on their uniforms, a move praised by the athletes for its significance. “I think it’s pretty bloody deadly, to be honest,” remarked Reid, embracing the opportunity to wear indigenous designs representing her culture.
These athletes participated in traditional ceremonies at the Paralympic Village, including a smoking ceremony designed to acknowledge and honor indigenous culture. Additionally, they engaged in group discussions termed “yarn circles,” an ancient practice noted for bolstering community and connection among participants. Reid, a veteran of four Paralympic Games, successfully defended her Tokyo gold medal in the Para cycling track 500m time trial C1-3, emphasizing her journey through challenges, including a recent back injury. “This gold medal just means everything,” she affirmed, attributing her success to perseverance and resilience.
Inspiring Future Generations
Ruby Storm, originating from the Wiradjuri tribe, expressed her pride in serving as a role model for younger indigenous athletes aspiring to greatness. “It’s pretty special… I want to make my tribe really proud,” she declared. After achieving a silver and bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Storm’s focus on honing her skills has been apparent as she competed for Australia in Paris. She expressed a positive outlook regarding her recent 4x100m freestyle relay team’s silver medal win, attributing their success to teamwork and enjoyment in the competition.
In addition to her team successes, Storm competed individually in events such as the women’s 200m freestyle S14 and the 100m butterfly S14, demonstrating the depth of talent within Australia’s Paralympic squad. “I was always motivated by my sister; I always want to beat her in everything,” she humorously reflected, highlighting the familial support that often drives athletes to excel.
Upcoming Competitions
As the sporting events unfold, fans can look forward to seeing Blacksmith compete in the women’s long jump T20, while Samantha Schmidt showcases her skills in the women’s discus throw F38. Amanda Reid will continue her campaign in the Para cycling road C1-3 individual time trial on Wednesday and the road race scheduled for Saturday, demonstrating the competitive spirit of Australia’s innovative and diverse Paralympic team.
The success of these athletes shows how far they’ve come and helps bring attention to the support for Indigenous communities in sports. They want to inspire young people to follow their dreams. The stories of Telaya Blacksmith, Ruby Storm, Amanda Reid, and Samantha Schmidt remind us how important it is to see people like us in sports and how community, culture, and hard work can lead to great achievements.
