Q&A: Anna Taylor

After representing New Zealand in Paris earlier this year, Brenda couldn’t wait to catch up with Anna Taylor to discuss her recent experiences and achievements.

A Paralympian and silver medalist, Anna has pushed boundaries and inspired many through her remarkable journey in para-cycling. From overcoming personal health challenges to competing on the world stage, her story is one of resilience, passion, and triumph.

Brenda discussed Anna’s experiences, achievements, and what fuels her on and off the track!

What challenges did you face, and how did they shape you as an athlete?

My biggest challenges have revolved around my health. At 19, in my first year of university, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Over the next decade, I faced a series of health setbacks, including hip surgery for a torn labrum, a spinal cord injury from acute cauda equina syndrome, and a concussion, all with lasting effects.

These experiences have profoundly shaped who I am as an athlete and person. Facing cancer so young forced me to rethink how I wanted to live. I focused on values like courage, resilience, passion, and community, especially during tough times in my 20s. When I considered quitting university or sport, I’d ask myself: would stepping back actually make things better? The answer was always no. While I took breaks to care for my physical and mental health, I stayed true to the path that called me.

Whether in sports or life, I’ve learned that sticking to my values and passions leads to success. When I couldn’t fully participate in sports, I threw myself into my studies, advocacy, and career, finding fulfilment in those areas, too.

What are some of your proudest achievements in your sport?

My proudest achievement in sport has to be winning the silver medal in the Individual Pursuit at the Paris Paralympic Games!

The training and build-up into the games, everything went smoothly. I was in the best shape of my life; fit, strong, happy and healthy. It was the best experience to feel the true feeling of a taper.

Knowing that my family and friends were watching and supporting me meant the world, especially when a lifelong dream of mine came true, is an indescribable feeling. After everything, I am most proud that I didn’t give up. I didn’t let the things that happened to me define my capabilities.

How did it feel to represent NZ on an international stage?

Wearing the silver fern at the Paralympic Games is the ultimate dream. Representing New Zealand’s sporting legacy is a special privilege, striving to be your best and hopefully making the country proud. It’s about wearing the fern with pride, inspiring the next generation of athletes to follow in your footsteps.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your journey or message you’d like to convey?

My life story may seem like it is about chasing a sporting goal. I understand that it can seem crazy to pursue something after so many setbacks.

For me my story is more about not letting the barriers and disappointments of life stop me from being the best version of myself.

To know that I am capable of so much despite everything that I have been through. I want to show myself and those around me that if you can chase your dreams, then you should do so.

I didn’t ever want the hard things to define me. While they are a big part of my story, I am grateful that resilience and courage are more defining than the obstacles that temporarily broke me.

My passion is sports, and I am so grateful for the places it’s taken me, the people I have met, and the experiences I cherish. But there is so much more to my life. That’s why I take every opportunity to give back to sports through my advocacy roles, speaking engagements, and coaching. My friends and family are important to me, as is my community. I want to look back on my life and be proud of who I am.

@conquerthecomback