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Three-time Paralympic long jump champion Vanessa Low has been appointed to three of the most influential roles in global Para-sport; Chair of the World Para Athletics Athletes’ Committee, member of the World Para Athletics Sport Committee through her role in the Athletes’ Committee, and board member of the World Para Sport Unit.
The unprecedented trifecta of roles has the power and influence to lead change in the global Para-sport movement.
“It was a big compliment,” Low said. “Especially the first position on the Athletes’ Committee -that was an elected role. My peers chose me to represent them and it gave me belief that I’m someone who not only knows a lot of people, but someone who listens and passes on others’ voices too.”
Low is clear about her mission: “I’ve always wanted to leave the sport better than I found it. Now I’ve found allies to actually do that.”
Across the roles, Low’s work includes considering rule changes, competition structures, classification system challenges and representation frameworks.
“As Chair of the Athletes’ Committee, we’re creating ways to listen. We’ve just launched a new anonymous form so athletes can raise concerns safely, from anywhere in the world. That feedback helps us go to World Para Athletics and say, ‘Here’s what’s really happening’.”
It’s not always about her experience – and that’s the point.
“Sometimes what comes up doesn’t align with what I’ve been through,” Low said. “But if I’ve heard enough people say it’s a problem, then we have to find a way to act. That’s hard when you sometimes have to put your own views second, but it’s what real advocacy looks like.”
Low’s additional role on the Sport Committee, earned through her position as Chairperson, gives her direct influence on decisions that many athletes might tune out: qualification standards, event formats, classification rules.
“I know a lot of people find it boring,” Low said. “But this is where change happens. Understanding the frameworks helps me explain things better, not just from a management perspective, but as an athlete who’s taken the time to learn the system.”
Low said the committee’s regional representation, with voices from each continent, ensures the conversation isn’t dominated by Western perspectives.
“There’ve been so many times I thought, ‘This is a clear decision,’ and then someone says, ‘We can’t do that in our country.’ That shifts your thinking. It reminds me of what my mum always said: once you understand someone’s story, you can like any person.”
Beyond athletics, Low is an athlete representative on the World Para Sport Unit Board, which oversees the transfer of governance of sports currently administered by the International Paralympic Committee.
“We’re moving from a movement to a professional product,” Low said. “There’s money in it, there are broadcast rights, ticket sales. But the power is still in the visibility. When Para-sport does well, it has a flow-on effect for the entire disability community.”
For all the global momentum, Low said the biggest gap remains what happens between Paralympic Games.
“We go from Games to Games and then we’re sometimes forgotten in the middle,” she said. “We need to build the ‘in-between’ – the Grand Prix circuit, showcase events, more access. That’s the next step.”
By Australian Athletics.
Published 8 May, 2025.
