Tag: Susan Seipel

Paralympic Preview: Susan Seipel Rows in Paris Double Challenge

Ipswich-born Susan Seipel, 38, is set to compete in two semi-finals at the final weekend of the Paris Games. Seipel has established herself as a versatile and accomplished athlete across multiple disciplines, and is now aiming for Paralympic gold.

Read: Pool and Horseback to Paralympic Kayak: the Multisport Odyssey of Susan Seipel

Susan Seipel in two events

The three-time Paralympian’s participation in two separate events showcases her versatility and endurance as an athlete. Seipel is scheduled to participate in two semi-final events:

Va’a single 200m semifinal: 7 September, 6:28 p.m.
Final: 7 September, 7:52 p.m.

Kayak single 200m semifinal: 8 September, 6:14 p.m.
Final: 8 September 2024, 7:41 p.m.

Read: Ipswich Jets Secure Backing as Queensland Aims for NRL Expansion

Seipel has already demonstrated her competitive edge in the qualifying rounds. She secured the fourth fastest time in the va’a single heats with a time of 1:04.03. In the kayak single event, she qualified with the seventh fastest time, clocking in at 1:01.29.

About Susan Seipei

Susan Seipel was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex, a condition that affects her joints and muscles. Despite undergoing several surgeries as a child, she excelled in para-sports, becoming an elite para-swimmer and paracanoeist.

She represented Australia at the Rio Paralympics in 2016, where she won a bronze medal in paracanoe. She became the first Australian to win a medal in para-canoe at the Paralympic Games.

Seipel’s resilience and passion for sport have made her an inspiring figure in the Paralympic community.

With the Paralympics in full swing, schedule changes remain possible. For the latest updates and information, check out the official Paralympics website.

Published 07-September-2024

Pool and Horseback to Paralympic Kayak: the Multisport Odyssey of Susan Seipel

Ipswich-born Susan Seipel has faced life with the rare condition Arthrogryposis Multiplex, characterised by joint fusion and absent muscle formation in her legs. Despite enduring countless surgeries since infancy, her indomitable spirit propelled her to excellence in three parasports.

A record-breaking swimmer, an international-level equestrian, and a bemedalled Paralympic kayaker, this unstoppable athlete has her sights set on Paralympic gold.

Read: From Promise to Paralympics: Taymon Kenton-Smith Aims for Glory Beyond Paris

Aquatic beginnings

At four years old, Seipel began swimming as part of her physiotherapy program. Her natural affinity for the water quickly became evident as she first competed alongside able-bodied classmates. Between 1999 and 2001, Seipel set six Queensland State Games records and three Australian National Age records in freestyle and backstroke as a para-swimmer.

Equestrian excellence

Seipel’s sporting journey took a new direction at age seven when she discovered horseback riding at The McIntyre Pony Riding for the Disabled Centre. What started as a therapeutic activity evolved into a passion for equestrian dressage. Her exceptional skill in the sport was recognized with three Australian National Championship titles.

In 2006, she made her international debut at the Pacific Rim Para-Equestrian Dressage International Competition in Canada, winning a bronze medal. However, financial constraints led her to step back from equestrian competition in 2010, marking a significant shift in her athletic career.

Susan Seipel transitions to para-canoe

In 2012, Seipel discovered para-canoeing at a “come and try” day led by Olympian Amanda Rankin. This new sport reignited her competitive spirit, and she quickly excelled in both single kayak and single outrigger canoe disciplines. Her natural talent became apparent as she began competing at national and international levels.

Seipel’s hard work culminated in her participation in Rio 2016, where para-canoe made its debut. She secured a bronze medal in the women’s KL2 200m, becoming the green and gold’s first Paralympic medallist in the sport.

At Tokyo 2020, Seipel added a silver medal in the inaugural women’s VL2 200m event to her collection. Her consistent performances at World Championships and World Cups between Paralympic Games further demonstrate her ongoing commitment to excellence.

Off the water, Seipel has played a crucial role in establishing para-ice hockey in Australia, showcasing her immense versatility and dedication as an athlete.

Read: Play, Fitness, and Heritage: Inside the Reimagined RJ Richardson Park in Goodna

Seipel’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues unabated. Set to make her third Paralympic appearance at Paris 2024, she’s laser-focused on transforming her previous Paralympic podiums into a golden finish.

Published 12-August-2024