Vanessa Low became a world-renowned Paralympic athlete through hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She is living proof of the power of perseverance and determination, which has allowed her to compete at the highest level for both Germany and Australia.

Vanessa’s athletic journey began in Germany, where she excelled in sprinting, earning bronze medals in the 100 m at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships. Despite these successes, Vanessa discovered her true passion in the long jump. In 2015, she won her first World Championship title and followed it with an unforgettable performance at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she earned gold and set a new world record.

In 2017, Vanessa transitioned to compete for Australia, a decision that required her to take a year away from competition to complete the transition process. Undeterred, she returned to the global stage in 2019, winning her first World Championship title as an Australian athlete. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, demonstrating her adaptability and resilience.

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged athletes worldwide, but Vanessa used this period to refine her craft. She extended her long jump world record and claimed gold at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 2021, further solidifying her status as one of the greatest long jumpers in Paralympic history.

Following the Tokyo Paralympics, Vanessa made the decision to change coaches, seeking new opportunities to continue pushing her limits. She began training under the guidance of her partner and coach, Scott Reardon, himself a Paralympic gold medallist. This partnership brought a fresh perspective to her preparation and strengthened her pursuit of continual improvement.

In 2022, Vanessa embarked on a new chapter by becoming a mother. Balancing elite sport and motherhood, she returned to international competition in 2023 and claimed a bronze medal at the World Championships, just twelve months after giving birth. This comeback set the stage for a historic 2024 season, where she won gold at the World Championships and the Paris Paralympics, once again breaking records on the sport’s biggest stages.

2025 continued this trajectory of excellence.
Vanessa claimed gold at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India, reinforcing her dominance on the global stage. Earlier in the year, she also delivered a world-record performance in Perth, extending her own mark in the long jump and demonstrating her ability to continue redefining what is possible in the event.

Beyond competition, Vanessa plays a significant role in shaping the future of sport through governance and leadership. She serves as Chair of the World Para Athletics Athletes’ Committee, where she leads athlete representation and advocates for fair, transparent, and athlete-centred decision-making at the international level. She is also an athlete representative on the World Para Sport Unit Board, contributing to governance decisions that influence the long-term structure, integrity, and sustainability of Para sport globally.

In Australia, Vanessa is a board member of Capital Athletics, where she contributes to the strategic direction of the sport at a domestic level. Through this role, she supports athlete development, participation pathways, and stronger governance outcomes for athletics in the region.

Through these leadership roles, Vanessa is deeply involved in advancing athlete voice, improving competition pathways, and helping guide the evolution of Para athletics for future generations.

Vanessa’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and purpose. Whether competing on the world stage, contributing in boardrooms, or sharing her journey as a keynote speaker, she continues to inspire people around the world to embrace challenges, take ownership of their path, and pursue excellence with courage.