In the world of adaptive sports, resilience and determination often define the path to success. For Aussie, Taryn Dickens, those qualities have shaped an extraordinary journey from her long-standing role in the Navy to competitive cross-country skiing.

Diagnosed with Cone-Rod Dystrophy in May 2019, Taryn faced the challenge of vision loss with the same determination that had driven her through years of soccer, rugby, and kickboxing. Despite setbacks, including a knee reconstruction that shifted her focus to road cycling, Taryn’s passion for sports never faded. 

Her unexpected venture into cross-country skiing in 2022 and as of this year Biathlon, marks the latest chapter in her athletic career, where she aims to continue to adapt, train and pursue her Paralympic dreams. 

Taryn is the first vision impaired athlete to compete for Australia in XC Skiing and Biathlon, becoming trailblazer for the sport. When asked, why XC skiing, she came back with an inspiring response. “I heard it was hard, so life was about to get pretty hard for me, knowing I was going to go blind. Why not find a sport that is just as hard!”

Taryn recently competed at Australian XC National Championships, where we spoke with her about her race weekend, in particular the 15km Skate. Taryn joked, “Today’s race was hard, and then hard again… And I feel proud to have made it to the finish.” 

See more: Australian XC National Championships – Weekend 1

To the credit of the race organisers, they did manage to create a tough FIS course, making hard, but fun racing for all. 

Along with her guide Daniel Van Der Ploeg, brother of Mountain Bike World Champion Paul Van Der Ploeg, she competed with what she said was with some naivety about the course today, having not checked out the course herself. “I sent my guide out to have a look, because I don’t want to know” she continued with a chuckle, “I personally myself don’t like to know what’s coming.” 

Taryn’s service dog, Gigi, was also present over the weekend. She is a very important addition to Taryn’s life, and you can see the enjoyment that Gigi gets being out on snow and the seriousness in which she takes her role once the harness is put on. 

As she prepares for the upcoming winter season in Europe, Taryn’s goals are clear: to classic the Kangaroo Hoppet, “Unguided and with good technique!”

See more: Countdown to the Challengers event Kangaroo Hoppet

Her next chapter begins this coming European season in Italy for an on-snow training block, with the all-important Paralympic dream on the horizon.