At 16, Telaya Blacksmith has already made a name for herself in athletics, representing Australia at the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games and the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.
But the Walpiri woman from the Northern Territory, is now set to compete in the T20 400m at the 2024 Paris Paralympics next month.
“To think that I’ll be at school one day and the next on a plane to compete on the biggest stage across the other side of the world is hard to get my head around it,” Telaya told Sport Inclusion Australia after hearing of her selection.
“Vichy was a great experience and taught me a lot about what to do in between races and training.
“I feel much better about being away from home and how important food, sleep and all the other little things are to have me perform at my best.”
Telaya is currently living in Sydney, where she is studying at Endeavour High School, an institute with a long history of producing Olympians.
She currently holds Australian records in the 100m, 200m, and long jump for under 15, under 17, and under 20 categories, as well as the T20 400m records for under 17, under 20, and open categories an d can’t wait to get to France.
Going with her to France on August 16 will be parents Bec and Ryan, brothers Carson and Sonny, sister Tilly, and Uncle Luke.
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