Telaya Blacksmith, a proud Walpiri woman from the Northern Territory, is set to compete in the T20 400m at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
At 16, she has already made a name for herself in the athletics world, having represented Australia at the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games and the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France.
Ms Blacksmith received the exciting news of her selection to the Paralympics nearly two weeks ago.
"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," Ms Blacksmith told Sport Inclusion Australia.
"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."
Her coaches, Jacinta Doyle and Anula Costa, have been preparing her for this moment with intense training.
Currently living in Sydney and attending Endeavour High School, known for producing Olympians and now its first Paralympian, she will have strong support in Paris.
Coach Anula Costa will join her in Montpellier for a pre-games camp, and her family—including parents Bec and Ryan, brothers Carson and Sonny, sister Tilly, and Uncle Luke—will also be there.
Over the past three years, Ms Blacksmith has excelled as an athlete, earning medals at National Championships and the Virtus Oceania Asia Games.
She 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.
In Paris, she will face formidable competitors, including world record holders Breanna Clark (USA) and Deepthi Jeevanji (India).
Her goal is to reach the finals and perform her best.
The Australian athletics team departs for Montpellier on August 16, before moving to the Paralympic village in Paris.
Ms Blacksmith's schedule includes the 400m heats on September 2, the 400m final on September 3, and possibly the long jump final on September 6.
