Out of the cage and into the next chapter | Sarah Edmiston announces retirement

Sarah Edmiston’s presence on the field has always spoken louder than words. Known for her precision and focus, the Paralympic bronze medallist has built an illustrious career through quiet determination and powerful performances.

After her final competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the two-time Paralympian steps into retirement reflecting on a journey marked by purpose, resilience, and a lasting impact on Australian para athletics.

Reflecting on her remarkable career, Edmiston points to one moment that stands above the rest—winning bronze in Tokyo in the Women’s Discus F44.

“I worked really hard for five years for that one and kind of thought it might be my only chance to win a Paralympic medal,” she shared. “It was just an amazing feeling, the culmination of all the hard work over the years.”

Edmiston’s journey in athletics began long before her classification as a para athlete. A former able-bodied athlete with Olympic dreams, the Western Australian injured her right knee in a waterskiing accident at the age of 19, and it was another 22 years before she realised that the opportunity to compete on the world stage was a reality.

Discovering she was eligible for classification changed everything. “I looked up the results from Rio and realized if I had been there, I could’ve won a medal,” Edmiston recalls. “It was big. That’s when I knew it could take me places.”

And it did. With her husband and coach Paul Edmiston by her side, Sarah embarked on a journey that would see her make her international debut at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London. From there she would not only claim three global medals including her Paralympic bronze, but also the Australian and Oceania records in her class at 39.13m.

A mother of four and also a grandmother,  Edmiston defied expectations competing at the highest into her forties.

“When I started at 41, we kind of thought, if I can make it to Tokyo, that would be a huge achievement,” she says. “To now be retiring in 2024, I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”

As she prepared for her final appearance in Paris, Edmiston’s approach remained consistent—focus on the task at hand.

“My aim on the day was to make the top eight,” she says, her competitive nature never waning. Though her last throw didn’t result in a medal, it marked the end of an extraordinary journey in athletics.

“I would have liked to throw a little further, but I kind of knew where I was sitting in regards to how my training was going.”

 True to form, Edmiston was practical, grounded, and entirely in the moment.

The Paris Paralympics, however, were more than just another competition for Edmiston. After the COVID-restricted Tokyo Games, Paris offered her the chance to experience the full grandeur of the Paralympic atmosphere.

“Paris was fantastic—massive crowds, an incredible village experience. It was everything Tokyo couldn’t be due to the pandemic. I really enjoyed taking it all in.”

Despite the immense pressure athletes often place on themselves, Edmiston never lost sight of the joy that came with being part of the Paralympic community.

“The friendships I’ve built through the Paralympic community have been a huge highlight,” she says.

 “Meeting so many incredible people with different journeys—that’s something I’ll always cherish. It helped me to find my place in athletics and to really fit in around people that have different abilities like I do. I’ve been amazed at people’s determination.”

Now stepping away from the field, Edmiston is ready to embark on the next chapter of her life—one that includes staying connected to her athletics family through coaching.

 “I’m looking forward to expanding the coaching I do with kids and spending more time with my family. I know I’ll miss competing but hopefully I can just live athletics through the other athletes I’m coaching.”

When asked what advice she would give to young athletes, her response is simple: “Follow what you love. If you put in the hard work, you could get there in the end.”

For Edmiston, retirement brings a sense of closure, but also immense gratitude.

“I’m so grateful for the time I’ve had on Australian teams and for all the opportunities I’ve had to compete internationally,” she reflects.

 “When I started at 41, we thought just making it to Tokyo would be an achievement. Now, after competing through 2024, I know I’ve achieved everything I set out to.”

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 21/8/2024