Paralympic Games: Team Australia unveils its biggest Para-archer squad in four decades

Two former canoeists, a bronze medallist and a rookie who wasn’t involved in the sport just two years ago will all feature in Australia’s biggest Paralympic Games archery team in 40 years.

Australia’s para-archery team for the Paralympic Games was unveiled at Kirribilli. Picture: Supplied

Two former canoeists, a bronze medallist and a rookie who wasn’t involved in the sport just two years ago will all feature in Australia’s biggest Paralympic Games archery team in 40 years.

The talent-laden squad was unveiled under sunshine at the picturesque Admiralty House overlooking Sydney Harbour on Friday.

The six-member archery team were presented to the public by Australia’s Patron-in-Chief the Governor-General David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley.

Their Excellencies, who are ardent supporters of the Australian Paralympic Team, presented a framed Coat of Arms and beret to each athlete as they were announced by Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin.

Australia’s para-archery team for the Paralympic Games was unveiled at Kirribilli. Picture: Supplied

The six Para-archers named for the Paris Paralympics are:

Jonathon Milne, a bronze medallist at Rio 2016 who will compete at his third Paralympic Games.

Taymon Kenton-Smith, selected for his second Paralympic Games.

Amanda Jennings, a Rio 2016 Para-canoe silver medallist and two-time Paralympian who transitioned to archery after Tokyo 2020.

Ameera Lee, who narrowly missed selection for Tokyo 2020 and will make her Paralympic debut in Paris.

Melissa Tanner, a former canoeist who will make her Paralympic debut.

Patrick French, a rising star who only started archery two years ago and will make his Paralympic debut in Paris.

Ameera Lee will make her Paralympic Games debut after narrowly missing selection for Tokyo. Picture: James Gourley/Getty Images for AFW

Taymon Kenton-Smith will compete at his second Paralympic Games. Picture Lachie Millard

The team had won seven quota spots, but reigning W1 men’s World Champion Christopher Davis was forced to withdraw from the team due to injury. Davis underwent shoulder surgery on Wednesday.

The last time Australia had seven archers qualify for the Paralympics was in 1976. The six-strong team to compete in Paris 2024 is the largest since 1984.

Australia has won just three gold medals in archery at the Paralympic Games, one in 1960 and two in 1968. Milne’s bronze medal in 2016 remains Australia’s only podium result in four decades.

National Para-archery coach Ricci Cheah said this squad had the ability to secure breakthrough results.

“Jono will be a pretty good medal chance because the way that he is shooting currently places him in the top percentile,” Cheah said.

Australia will send its biggest para-archery team in four decades to the Paralympic Games. Picture: Supplied

“He needs to be able to replicate what he’s doing here at home. If he can catch a lucky break, if it’s his day, then that’s a medal chance for sure.

“Besides that, as well, there’s our mixed teams.

“In the compound, Jono with either Ameera or Mel will be a good chance for a team medal. In the mixed teams for recurve, there’s a good chance of getting to the quarterfinals or even semis, but both AJ and Taymon need to shoot well.”