Golden Couple Eye Glory

Paralympic gold medals, world records and prosthetic legs.

There’s a lot of things that Paralympic gold medallists Vanessa Low and Scott Reardon have in common, but none more so than a burning desire to live life to the fullest.

Low was 15 when she had both legs amputated after falling off a platform and into the path of an incoming train in her hometown of Ratzeburg, Germany. On the other side of the world just years earlier, a then 12-year-old Reardon had his right leg severed after his shoelace was caught in machinery on his family farm in Temora, NSW.

Embarking on sporting pursuits that were never about overcoming adversity or gaining hero status, Low and Reardon both proceeded to make their Paralympic debuts at London in 2012 – unbeknown to each other as Low represented Germany whilst Reardon won silver for Australia in the 100m T42.

The following year the two would meet and begin their romance, spending countless hours on FaceTime in between international competitions before Low committed to moving Down Under after the Rio Paralympics – where the golden couple were both crowned Paralympic champions.

With an Australian citizenship in her pocket and a ring on her finger, Low is set to join Reardon in the green and gold in Tokyo this year – with the powerhouse duo relishing their combined preparation under the watchful eye of Iryna Dvoskina.

“As you go through the ups and downs of a preparation, it’s been really nice to be able to thrive off each other and keep each other going in the right direction,” Reardon said.

“I came back from the gym yesterday and I was super pumped and then Vanessa was really excited, and you just roll on with that momentum.”

Low says her husband has been her rock in challenging times, including being away from friends and family for extended periods.

“On the tougher days you have that emotional support that is beyond words, just having someone there that doesn’t have to say or do much to make you feel better,” Low said.

Qualifying for the Paralympics was once a formality for Reardon, but he says that he is ready to challenge the world’s best in Tokyo after leaving a series of injuries in his wake to secure selection.

“Since that team announcement was made, I have gone from strength to strength. I feel like my performances are getting better and better, and I am confident I can go to Tokyo and run a good time, stay out in front of the field and hopefully bring home a gold medal,” Reardon said.

The experience is one that Low is looking forward to in her new colours.  

“It has been such a privilege to be a part of this Australian team. Australia is one of the most professional teams and has a culture that is very special when you compare it to anywhere else in the world,” Low said.

Despite his own achievements, Reardon was full of praise for Low – who has regularly lengthened the tape in the long jump T61 on a global scale with a string of world records.

“You need that one pioneer to take it to the next level and to break down what people think is possible, and then everyone else starts to catch up,” Reardon said.

And redefining that standard is not something that stemmed from talent.

“When you go through the loss that we have, you have to develop over time to learn how to run and how to use your body again. It didn’t come overnight or from a few training sessions, it’s many years to get to where we are now,” Low said.

Low is set to compete in the long jump T61 whilst Reardon will contest the 100m T63, with both looking to repeat their Rio heroics and stand atop the podium in Tokyo.

Returning home with hopefully some extra baggage, the Canberra couple will reunite with their dogs and enjoy some much-needed time off – capturing unique memories through their shared passion of photography.

“We got married in 2018 and we are still yet to go on a honeymoon, so that’s probably the number one priority,” Reardon said.

But Low is adamant that it will be back to business shortly after.

“I feel I have more to give and there is room for improvement, so you will see me around in athletics for a little while,” Low said.

The Paralympic athletics action kicks off on August 27.

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted:  19/8/2021