SCHMIDT Samantha

Sam (bundabergnow.com, 29 Aug 2020)

Athlete

Bundaberg Athletic Club And West Bundaberg Little Athletics [Australia]

Ralph Newton

She took up athletics throwing events at age five. "I do all the events because it keeps me active and motivated, but discus is my main event and the one I love the most." (bundabergtoday.com.au, 30 Jul 2021; bundabergnow.com, 24 Jul 2021)

She became interested in Para athletics after she watched the Paralympic Games with her parents as a child. "When I was younger my dream was to go to the Olympics, but I had a lot of people saying, 'You won't make it' or 'You won't be able to go because of your disability'. What they call a disability, I call a challenge, because it is a challenge. It's not something that everyone out there can go through. I think of it this way - you do something and, if you can't do it because of your disability, then it's a challenge. I have had many challenges in my life, but I have overcome them." (bundabergtoday.com.au, 30 Jul 2021; bundabergnow.com, 24 Jul 2021)

To throw a personal best in discus at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. She also wants to compete at the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane. (bundabergtoday.com.au, 30 Jul 2021)

Being selected to compete at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. (bundabergnow.com, 24 Jul 2021)