Springfield Lakes’ para-archer Taymon Kenton-Smith is not just competing; he’s redefining what it means to be a Paralympian. Born with a partial left hand, Kenton-Smith embraces the mantra, “half the hand, twice the effort.”
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A promise to keep
His journey in archery began at the tender age of six, setting the foundation for a career marked by determination and resilience.
At 14, Kenton-Smith made a pivotal promise to his grandmother that she would see him compete at a Paralympic Games. This promise became the driving force in his athletic journey, propelling him toward his ultimate goal.
Kenton-Smith’s Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 realised his long-held promise at age 27. Competing in the men’s individual recurve event, he secured 18th position and was eliminated in the 1/16 Elimination Round. Despite the early exit, Kenton-Smith expressed pride in fulfilling his promise and representing Australia on the world stage.
Teaming up with fellow debutant Imalia Oktrininda, Kenton-Smith also competed in the Open Mixed Team Recurve 1/8 Elimination. While the pair didn’t progress to the quarter-finals, the experience proved invaluable for the Paralympian.
Overcoming self-doubt and honouring his Nanna
However, Kenton-Smith’s journey wasn’t always smooth. Behind his achievements lies a battle with self-doubt.
“There were naysayers everywhere, and the biggest naysayer was the person looking at me in the mirror every day,” he admits. This self-awareness has shaped his approach to competition and training.
To honour his grandmother, Kenton-Smith has an Agitos–the Paralympic symbol–tattooed on his forearm. The tattoo includes a flaming arrow with the words “Thank you Nanna,” a tribute to the woman who drove him to greatness in more ways than one.
Taymon Kenton-Smith in Paris and beyond
Kenton-Smith’s Paris schedule is as follows:
Individual Recurve Open Ranking Round: 29 August, 9:00 p.m.
Elimination: 4 September, 5:00 p.m.
Quarterfinal to Final: 5 September, 1:30 a.m.
Afterwards, he’ll be joined by multi-sport athlete Amanda Jennings in the mixed team portion:
Mixed Team Recurve Open Elimination: 5 September, 6:00 p.m.
Medal Rounds: 6 September, 1:15 a.m.
What drives him now is a vision beyond just winning medals. While Taymon is training hard for Paris 2024, his motivation extends beyond Paralympic glory; he routinely speaks on behalf of both the Paralympics and Archery Australia at various panels and public speeches, endorsing the great sport of para-archery.
As Brisbane 2032 approaches, Taymon is not just training for his events but is also actively shaping the future of the sport through his advocacy and mentorship.
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In Paris 2024, Kenton-Smith stands as a strong contender in Australia’s six-member archery squad. With 160 athletes across 17 sports, the Paralympic team represents a blend of experience and fresh talent.
With the Paralympics in full swing, schedule changes remain possible. For the latest updates and information, check out the official Paralympics website.
Published 12-August-2024
