Paralympics 2024: Amanda Reid driven to help next generation of stars, communities

Adams ran an incredible 2:14.09 in his marathon debut in 2013, which he has since cut to a fantastic PB set in 2023 on the Gold Coast: 2:08.39, making him the sixth-fastest man in Australian history.

Comes in off a strong 2024 with a win at the Oceania Championships.

Set to attend a third Olympics but this time in a different event.

Anderson made the move to NSW at age 18 to pursue his slalom dream and after a breakthrough 2023 is on the plane to Paris. Last year he finished fifth at the World Championships.

The rising star has broken countless state records in WA as a junior, she is now preparing tot ake on the world's best. Won a silver at the national titles in April.

Andrews made her senior Stingers debut at the 2022 FINA World League Intercontinental Cup in Peru.

Andrews caught the attention of national selectors after impressing for the University of Queensland at the 2019 World University Games.

Arancini's parents both represeted Australia in water polo and she will captain the side at the Olympics.

Represented Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games where he won gold in the mixed 4x100m mixed relay.

Armit started playing for the Townsville Water Polo Club as a junior before plying her trade in the Spanish and Italian leagues.

Arnold became a household name in 2023 with a player of the match performance in the World Cup quarter-finals, making three crucial saves in the penalty shootout to send Australia to the semis.

Set to join forces with Taliqua Clancy once again as the pair look to back up their silver medal effort in Tokyo.

Earned selection just days out from the Games after an injury to Opals star Bec Allen.

Set to aim for a place on the relay team.

After missing selection in 2020, Baden returns looking to make up for lost time.

Considered one of the rising stars of the sport. Beat fellow Aussie Finn Luu in the final of the Olympic qualifiers.

Set for her third Olympics, Baker is chasing her first medal.

Won bronze in Tokyo and will be looking to add another medal to her collection.

One of several teenagers on the swim team. Her coach is Dean Boxall.

An Olympics debut for a rising star who has continued to rise through the ranks.

A knee injury proved critical as she missed Tokyo selection but one of the world's best goalkeepers has made up for lost time.

Set to compete alongside Harriet Hudson as the pair look to continue their recent strong form.

Recently ran a PB in the 5000m which was the fourth fastest in Australian history.

The Frankston High School student often has to catch public transport to train. Won his first senior title earlier this year.

Bedggood claimed a gold medal in the synchronised 10m platform event during his debut Commonwealth Games at Glasgow 2014.

Part of the relay team in 2020, Beer is now heading to Paris as the Olympic champion.

Set for an Olympics debut. Beere is also a national surf lifesaving champion.

Won a silver medal at the Oceania Championships last year and has formed a strong partnership with Aislin Jones in the mixed skeet team.

Returns for a second Olympics as the Kookaburras aim to go one better.

At 21, Berehulak is the youngest player in the Australian Sharks' Olympic squad for the Paris Games.

Qualified for another Olympics and will be looking to make a deeper run.

Set to be part of the men's team events.

Bol emerged as one of the most popular members of the Tokyo team as he made a remarkable run to a fourth-place finish in the 800m.

The teenage star played a key role in helping the Opals qualify for Paris.

Made his World Championships debut last year and finished 33rd overall.

Bowshire has been a standout prospect in the junior ranks for years, and he now steps up for his debut Olympic Games.

Was part of the silver medal winning team in Tokyo and has since remained a regular figure.

Created his in 2018 after becoming the first woman to steer the Aussie men's coxed in international competition. Since then Brodie has become a key member.

A strong junior competitor who will now be part of the second Australian rhythmic gymnastics group to qualify for the Olympics.

Won through to a second Olympics after a strong Olympic qualification tournament earlier this year.

The exciting teenage prospect earned a late call up after an injury.

Has formed a partnership with Brin Liddell for several years as the pair prepare for their Olympic debut.

Narrowly missed out on a medal after finishing fourth in the individual time trial in Tokyo. Her form has only improved since.

Has spent time between Australia and Europe in a bid to further his career.

Captured the attention of the nation in Tokyo when he almost made the final.

Bruce has been an impressive weightlifter since he was a teenager, establishing the Uplift Weightlifting Gym in Sydney – where he still serves as head coach.

Received a late call-up after Brett Robinson was forced to withdraw.

Recently recorded his fastest time in two years to show he's hitting peak form before Paris.

Buckle was born in Singapore to an Australian father and she was just 15 years old when she competed with Singapore in her debut FINA World Artistic Swimming Championships in 2015 before moving to Australia in 2020.

The two-time Olympian turned to kayaking after being from surf lifesaving. She was a world champion in 2023.

Looking to make up for lost time after missing the Tokyo Olympics due to a horse's injury.

In her last two Olympic appearances she has finished seventh.

Byrnes became the 250th player to represent the Sharks in 2022, establishing himself as a must-include player while still being very young.

After running several personal bests against different events last year, Caldwell has earned her Olympics debut.

One of the most famous names on the Australian swimming team in recent memory. Aiming to win the third gold of her career.

Part of an Australian team who has been showing good form at World Cup events.

She has already won a national and Oceania title this year in the lead up to Paris.

Although she's still a youngster, Carpenter has been a Matilda for almost a decade. She was the youngest Australian Olympian at 15 during the 2016 Games in Rio, also becoming the youngest women's footballer to ever compete at the Olympics.

Alongside Mark Nicolaidis he'll be part of the second youngest pair in Australian Olympic beach volleyball history.

A Victorian who has relocated to Penrith to chase his goals. Carter has been part of the senior national team since 2017 competing in several World Cup events.

Under the watchful eye of popular coach Dean Boxall, Cartwright will compete as a relay swimmer.

Her preparation for a second Olympics has included wins at the National and Oceania Championships.

The Aussie captain is one of the sport's most decorated players. One of few who remain from gold in Rio.

Catley made her Matildas debut at 18 in 2012. She plays for Arsenal in the English Women's Super League.

The speedster is set for his third Games and will be right among the contenders again.

Part of the silver medal winning Kookaburras in 2020. Remains a key figure in between the post.

A three-time Australian champion who will make his debut at Olympic level in Paris.

Cikamatana won a gold medal for Fiji at the 2018 Commonwealth Games before switching allegiances to Australia in 2019.

Looking to add to her silver medal she won alongside Mariafe Artacho del Solar in Tokyo.

Only debuted for the Aussies earlier this year and has become a key part of the team.

Returns to the Olympic team after a 25th place finish in Rio.

Won the national title earlier this year and is our best hope here.

Set for her Olympic debut, Clarke turned to canoeing several years ago after Olympic gold medallist Kenny Wallace saw her training for ski paddling. She went onto represent her country a year later.

Has over a decade's experience in the Aussie side and will be one of the leaders in Paris.

Made the semi-finals of this event in Tokyo and will be hoping for a better result.

Reinvented herself as a world class sprinter after missing Tokyo selection as an endurance rider. Won gold on the track at the Commonwealth Games.

Cole is still a year 12 student at Sydney's Presbyterian Ladies College.

Colley will sail alongside his great mate Shaun Connor at the Games in one of the sports most competitive classes.

Following in his father's footsteps to the Olympics. Collins is a former AFL player, having spent time on Sydney's list.

A young star set for her first Olympics, looking to build on a career which already includes a Commonwealth Games silver medal.

Part of the 4x100m relay team which broke the national record earlier this year.

Set to make his debut alongside Jim Colley with the pair sailing together since they were teenagers.

Booked her ticket to Paris with a second place finish at the Olympic trials. She raced at last year's World Championships.

Cooney-Cross is one of the youngest members of the Matildas squad but makes up for what she lacks in experience with her impressive maturity and ability.

Set to contest the backstroke, the promising youngster won a bronze medal in Tokyo.

Back for a second straight Olympics. In Tokyo, she reached the round of 16 stage.

Courage-Gardiner joined the Olympic team in Tokyo as an alternate member but was not required during competition. This will be her debut appearance at the Games.

Considered a medal hope at just 14, Covell is the youngest gold medallist in X Games history.

Set for his third Olympic Games on the back of a 2023 season where he became the eighth fastest Australian of all-time.

Part of the Women's eight team in Tokyo who finished fifth.

Won a silver medal with the Kookaburras when he travelled to Tokyo in 2020.

Growing up he was an Australian age champion in swimming, athletics and triathlon.

Looking to add to the bronze medal she won in Tokyo in the same event.

An Olympics debut for one of the country's most promising guards.

Davey represented Australia at the 2023 World Champs in Uzbekistan in the lead up to him qualifying for the Games. He was attracted to boxing by his older brother.

Has made enormous progress in her development since Tokyo, smashing her PB earlier this year.

Won a silver medal in Tokyo and will be aiming to go one step better.

Part of the Australian team which finished eighth in Tokyo.

The highest ranked men's player currently. Inside the world's top-10.

Looking to add to her gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. She narrowly missed Tokyo selection at 17.

After missing out on the 2023 World Cup, the man known as Delly has worked his way back into the fold.

Has only recently returned to racing after an injury interupted 2024.

A gold medalist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Denny enters the Olympics on the back of a 2023 where he set a personal best.

Made his senior debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and is now targeting a place on the relay team.

Competed at the Tokyo games with a torn ACL and would go onto finish fifth.

Diver migrated to Australia in her mid-20s. At the Tokyo Olympics she became the oldest Australian to compete in athletics at the Games at 44 years old.

Debuted for Australia in this format in 2021 and looms as a key outside back.

Set to be among the youngest members on the plane to paris, Dunne will compete as J Attack in one of the Games' newest events.

The world's number one ranked males doubles player will make his Olympics debut.

The 2024 Games will be Echegaray's debut after she started boxing in 2019 for fitness. By 2022, she was the national champion and now will represent her country.

Edwards was named in the All-American First Team in back-to-back seasons with the University of Southern California (2015, 2016), and he is the son of Australian Sharks player Robert Edwards.

Edwards made his senior national debut as an 18-year-old in 2013 and is one of the team's stalwarts.

Was part of the Aussie team who won gold in the pursuit at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Has lowered her 100m PB this year and is a key member of the relay team.

A late call up into the Kookaburras team.

It's been a long-time coming for Erwin who qualifed for the 2004 Games but was never selected.

Won his first World Cup medal in 2023 and was part of the Aussie team who won quota at the Oceania Championships.

Ahead of his Olympics debut, Ewing finished last year as the country's top ranked surfer in the World Surf League.

On the back of helping the Dallas Mavericks reach the NBA Finals, Exum is in arguably career best form.

Finished third at the national titles earlier this year.

Already a two-time Olympian, Fitzsimmons won a silver medal in the K4 500m at the Canoe Sprint World Cup last year.

The Arsenal star made her Matildas debut as a 16-year-old at the 2011 World Cup in Germany, starting two games at right back before moving to the midfield.

Grew up in Brisbane, winning medals galore as a junior. She reached the final of the 400m IM at the Commonwealth Games two years ago.

The Manchester City star was one of Australia's most important players without Sam Kerr and she will be pivotal to the Matildas' Olympic success.

One of the big names of the Australian team. Set to compete in her fourth Games as she chases a fifth Olympic medal.

Joins her sister on the plane to Paris for an Olympics to take part in the kayak cross.

Debuted for the Matildas earlier this year and got a late call up after an injury to Tameka Yallop for matchday one.

Moved from Greece as a child and once she was here immediately hit the ground running at national level.

A late call up after Australia received a second women's doubles quota. She will partner Ajla Tomljanovic.

Set to compete at her third Olympics. Galiabovitch has previously won medals at the Commonwealth Games.

Garside has previously had Olympic success after winning bronze in Tokyo, Australia's first Olympic medal in 33 years.

Gauthier grew up in Quebec with an Australian father and she represented Canada throughout her junior years.

Gazzard is also a very good solo swimmer, becoming the first Australian soloist to compete at the FINA Junior World Championships.

Set to be a key member of the starting five as the Opals eye off a medal.

Giddey will makes his Olympic debut after recently being traded to the Chicago Bulls.

A keen water polo playing growing up, the youngster made the move to the Gold Coast in 2022 to help boost his swimming hopes.

A historic fourth Games awaits for Glaetzer as he chases a first Olympic medal.

Gofers has returned to water polo for her third Olympics after giving birth to her first child in 2023.

Has been in career best form this season ahead of a maiden Olympics.

Once sat out championships for three years to become eligible to represent Australia. Won silver at the Commonwealth Games.

A late starter in the sport who has become a valuable member of the Aussie team since 2021.

Having previously competed in the eights, Goodman is set to compete in the fours at a third Olympics.

Gorry missed out on Tokyo 2020 while she took a break from football to welcome her first child, before making a spectacular return in 2022.

In the last 18 months, Gourley has been a consistently strong performer at international level.

Returns for a third Olympics as the Kookaburras aim to go one better.

After winning a gold medal in 2020, Green is now looking to add to his tally.

Green has previously captained the Australian under-18 team before earning her first senior cap in 2022.

Back for her second Olympics, Green will be looking to better her previous 14th place finish.

Won bronze with the Boomers in 2020. Recently coming off an NBA season where he made the Finals.

Australia's best-ever steeplechaser will take on the marathon at an Olympic Games for the first time but she is already excelling in the sport. Gregson ran a 2:23.08 in December 2023 at the Valencia Marathon.

Has put several injury issues behind her to earn a maiden Olympic call up.

Injuries and Covid ruined her preparations for the last Olympics. She will be better prepared this time.

Made the decision to focus on the 200m instead of the 100m earlier this year and it has paid off.

Unveiled as the first Australian athlete selected back in October 2023. Gubecka qualified for her second Olympics after a top-three finish at the World Championships.

Will make history as one of the first Australians in the new event. She is a teacher and researcher away from competing.

Started fighing for Australia and first represented her adopted country in 2014. This will be her third Olympics.

Entering her third Olympics, aiming to make the 1500m final again.

Harrigan is the daughter of New Zealand Kiwis rugby league legend Daryl Halligan.

Following in the footsteps of his father who represented Great Britain at the 1996 Olympics.

Might not be a household name but Hanson is regarded as one of the strongest support riders in the world.

After winning gold in the men's fours in Tokyo, he makes the step up to the eights.

Made a stunning debut at the Tokyo games winning gold as part of the 4x100m freestyle team.

Set for his first Olympics after winning several National Championships already in his career. He works teaching climbing and is a barista.

Harvie follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Gordon Pearce, a three-time Olympian.

She'll team up with her former mentor Olivia Price for the Games having worked her way up through the national ranks.

Among the top-10 triathletes in the world, Hauser is aiming to better his 24th finish at Tokyo.

From a rugby league background, Havard found his way to the sport after a shoulder injury ended his previous career.

The Victorian rower first represented her country in 2005 and since then has gone onto enjoy an impressive career.

Made his Olympic debut in Tokyo where the Kookaburras went onto win silver.

Hearn started playing water polo when she was just seven years old, making the Australian Stingers side for the 2024 World Championships in Doha where the team finished sixth.

Goalkeeper Hedges' sister Lilian played goalkeeper for the Australian Stingers, inspiring him to follow in her footsteps.

Made her debut in Tokyo where she finished 38th before a fourth place finish in the Commonwealth Games 10km walk in 2022.

Set to join Anna Meares as the only female Australian cyclists to compete at four Olympics.

Heyman has risen from the depths of international retirement to force her way back into the Matildas with her superb A-Leagues form. Heyman collected her record-breaking third Golden Boot this year with a 17-goal season for Canberra United.

Back for a second Olympics, chasing a place on the podium.

Won the men's doubles at the 2023 Australian Open and has continued to rise in the singles rankings.

Set for a third Olympics, chasing another gold medal.

A two-time Olympian who played a key role in the gold medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Ho will live out a childhood dream when she heads to Paris having picked up badminton aged 10. She competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished 17th.

Made the final in Tokyo where he finished 11th.

Set to pair with Zachery Schubert with the duo going from the rehab room to Paris together.

Hoping to help the sprint team end a run of five consecutive fourth-place finishes.

Recently returned to competition after a leg injury.

The teenager's rapid rise is set to continue after earning her Olympic debut. She holds the under-20 800m record.

In the lead up to Paris, Holt has shifted his focus from the eights to the pairs.

Was part of the quadruple sculls team which won bronze in Tokyo.

Hull has broken over a dozen national records in her career and is looking to follow up an 11th place finish in Tokyo.

Hunt enjoyed an astronomic 2023, earning her Matildas call-up before joining one of the world's biggest clubs Paris Saint-Germain.

Returned to the Aussie fold earlier this year after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Reached the round of 16 in Tokyo, before winning a national title in 2023.

Has previously represented Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games where she won a silver in the women's doubles.

Finished 23rd on her debut in Tokyo in the women's individual all-round.

Became Australia's third youngest Olympic shooter in Rio and now returns to the Olympic team.

Will again be a relay swimmer in Paris, after winning two bronze medals in Tokyo.

A fifth Olympics awaits the Boomers veteran alongside Patty Mills.

It has been a rollercoaster career for Jack who is expected to be one of our best medal chances in the pool.

Jackovich won a gold medal with the USA at the World University Games in 2017 before coming to Australia. She made her Stingers debut earlier in 2024.

Widely considered Australia's greatest ever. Jackson is preparing for a fifth Olympics, 12 years after her last.

Will become just the 26th Australian to compete in the modern pentathlon. She is the current Oceania champion.

After missing selection for Tokyo, Jenneke has been on a mission record the 10 fastest times of her career.

Followed her parents into sailing. After the Tokyo Olympics, she teamed up with Conor Nicholas and will now compete in the mixed 470 category.

Moe will be part of history as one of two Ausralian women to race the 10km event together at an Olympics.

Returns to the Olympic team after she qualifed for her first Olympics at just 15.

Joseph-Kuo grew up in Melbourne and first started her artistic swimming journey at Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar.

Became Australia's youngest ever male judoka in Rio and returns after missing out on Tokyo.

Has become an integral part of the Boomers squad in recent years for his team-first effort.

Kearns scored 29 goals in her freshman year in 2019 with the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans.

Finished sixth in the same event in Tokyo.

Missed 2020 through injury and is now looking to add another medal to her collection.

One of the most important Matildas players on and off the field returns for her third Olympic Games.

Has put a recent broken wrist behind him to earn selection.

A promising talent among the quickest sprinters in the country.

Will be determined to put her best foot forward after Covid hampered her in Tokyo.

Throughout her career Kershaw has helped the Aussies to several podium finishes.

A dominant junior who was consistently on the podium at national champs. Has represented Australia at the Commonwealth Games twice.

Koloi won the 1m springboard world title earlier this year in Doha.

Kusmawan won the Barbara Schembri Perpetual Trophy in 2020 – an award for the highest score from an athlete aged 13 to 15 at the Victorian State Championships.

Lambie is set to make his Olympic debut after an impressive 2023-24 season for Montenegrin club side VK Primorac Kotor.

The NBA big man will play a crucial role against some of the world's best.

Won a bronze in the 100m at the nationals this year and has also set two PBs.

Australia's national champion in the 200m and a regular on the relay team.

Won a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. More recently he has won two straight Oceania Championships.

Made his debut in Tokyo and has gone onto become a very valuable team member.

Emerging star in hockey who is set for her second Olympics at just 22.

Won is fifth individual pursuit national title earlier this year.

A strong junior competitor who will now be part of the second Australian rhythmic gymnastics group to qualify for the Olympics.