VANESSA LOW
Canberra,Australia
Summary
Paralympic champion and accomplished board and committee member, bringing over a decade of elite sporting success and proven governance experience at national and international levels. I combine the strategic insight gained through leadership roles with the lived perspective of a high-performance athlete, ensuring decision-making reflects integrity, inclusion, and the voices of those we represent. My goal is to contribute to the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee in delivering a Games of the highest standard—one that strengthens the Paralympic Movement and leaves a meaningful, enduring legacy for athletes and the broader community.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Professional Athlete
Athletics Australia
01.2018 - Current
- Competed at the highest levels of para-athletics, showcasing resilience, skill, and sportsmanship
- Actively engaged in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about para-sports and disability rights
- Collaborated with coaches, teammates, and support staff to develop inclusive training programs and advocate for accessible facilities
- Contributed to the development of a pregnancy and return to sport policy
Keynote Speaker
Sisu Collective
Canberra, ACT
10.2009 - Current
- Delivered keynote speeches for leading companies and organisations, such as Google, Twitter & Facebook focussing on adaptability, resilience, performance and leadership
- Founded speaking agency Sisu Collective with my husband Scott Reardon running workshops and delivering keynote for both corporate and sporting events
Professional Athlete
Paralympics Germany
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Progressed from emerging talent to Paralympic champion over two Paralympic Games, showcasing unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence.
- Adapted training methodologies to overcome challenges and achieve peak performance, culminating in becoming the world's best in my discipline.
- Successfully negotiated sponsorship agreements and managed endorsements, balancing commercial commitments with maintaining a professional and authentic personal brand.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
Darmstadt, GermanyStudies - Audio & Visual Media Design
IHK Cologne
Cologne, GermanyHigh School Diploma -
Lauenburgische Gelehrtenschule
RatzeburgSkills
- Comprehensive understanding of challenges faced by athletes with disabilities
- Excellent communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Ability to articulate athlete perspectives
- Strong leadership abilities
- Advocacy efforts
- Community engagement initiatives
- Proven track record of teamwork
- Adaptability
- Resilience in competitive sports environments
Governance, Leadership, Advocacy
- 2025, World Para Sport Unit - elected board director (governing body of World Para Athletics, World Para Swimming, World Para Powerlifting, World Para Shooting & World Para Ice Hockey)
- 2025, Capital Athletics - appointed board director
- 2025, World Para Athletics Sport Committee member
- 2024, World Para Athletics Athletes Committee Chair
- 2024, Co-Team Captain of the Athletics Team at the Paris Paralympics
- 2009, Advocacy for People with a Disability - Championed disability rights and accessibility initiatives through public speaking engagements, media appearances, and advocacy campaigns.
Medal Record
Paralympic Games
- [2024 Paris]: Gold medallist [long jump T63]
- [2021 Tokyo]: Gold medallist [long jump T63]
- [2016 Rio de Janeiro]: Gold & Silver medallist [long jump & 100m T42]
- [2012 London]: 4th & 6th place [100m & long jump T42]
World Championships:
- [2024 Kobe]: Gold medallist
- [2023 Paris]: Bronce medallist
- [2019 Dubai]: Gold medallist
- [2015 Doha]: Gold and Silver medallist
- [2013 Lyon]: double Bronze medallist
- [2011 Christchurch]: Bronze medallist
Recognition
- 2024, Athletics Australia 2024 Female Para Athlete of the Year
- 2022, Medal of the Order of Australia for service to sport as a gold medalist at the Tokyo Paralympic Games
- 2021, Athletics Australia 2020 Female Para Athlete of the Year
- 2020, Athletics Australia 2019 Female Para Athlete of the Year
- 2019, Finalist for Emerging Young Leader award at the 2019 ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Awards
- 2016, Awarded 'Silbernen Lohrbeerblatt' highest recognition of Athletes in Germany
- 2016, Team Germany Para Athletics Athlete of the Year
- 2024, Athletics Australia 2024 Female Para athlete of the Year
Timeline
Professional Athlete
Athletics Australia
01.2018 - Current
Keynote Speaker
Sisu Collective
10.2009 - Current
Professional Athlete
Paralympics Germany
01.2009 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
Studies - Audio & Visual Media Design
IHK Cologne
High School Diploma -
Lauenburgische Gelehrtenschule
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