Tahlia Rotumah facts for kids
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| Nationality |  Australia |
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| Born | 24 February 1992 | |||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Tahlia Rotumah (born on 24 February 1992) is an inspiring Australian athlete. She made history as the first female Indigenous Australian to become a Paralympian. A Paralympian is an athlete with a disability who competes at the Paralympic Games. Tahlia is also from the Minjungbal nation and has South Sea Islander heritage.
Tahlia's Early Life and Journey
Tahlia Rotumah was born with two conditions: hemiplegia and cerebral palsy. Hemiplegia affects movement on one side of the body. Cerebral palsy impacts muscle control and movement. Despite these challenges, Tahlia showed great spirit.
In 2001, Tahlia received a special award. It was an Encouragement award for Junior Sporting Achievements. This award came from the Many Rivers Regional Council during NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Sporting Achievements and Medals
Tahlia Rotumah has won several medals in athletics. In 2006, she competed in the Far East and South Pacific Games (FESPIC). These games were held in Kuala Lumpur. Tahlia won two silver medals there. She earned them in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprint races.
At just 16 years old, Tahlia represented Australia. She competed in athletics at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing. This was a huge achievement for her. In the 100-meter race, she ran even faster than before. She improved her personal best time by one-tenth of a second. Although she didn't reach the finals in the 100-meter or 200-meter events, competing at the Paralympics was a major milestone.
Awards and Recognition
Tahlia Rotumah's talent and dedication did not go unnoticed. In 2008, she was nominated for a "Deadlys" award. The Deadlys celebrated Indigenous Australian achievement. Tahlia was nominated for "Most Promising New Talent in Sport."
In 2010, Tahlia received another special honor. She was awarded 'Miss NAIDOC'. This title recognizes young Indigenous women who are role models in their communities. Tahlia continues to be an inspiration to many young athletes.
