It would not be for her hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that Vanessa became a world-renowned Paralympic athlete. She is proof of the power of dedication and perseverance, giving her the opportunity to compete for Germany and Australia.

Vanessa’s athletic journey began in Germany - succeeding in sprinting events, where she earned bronze medals at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships in the 100m. Despite this achievement she excelled in long jump - winning her first World Championship title in 2015, and earning gold in the 2016 Paralympics and setting a new world record. In 2017, Vanessa made the transition to compete for Australia which forced her to take a year away from competing - in 2019 she returned and won her first World Championship title as an Australian athlete.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented its own challenges for the whole world, during this time Vanessa worked on extending her world record in long jump and won back-to-back gold medals at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games. In 2022, Vanessa became a mother but this did not diminish her drive to succeed - her sights were set on defending her gold medals at both the Paralympic Games and World Championships over the next 18 months. This drive allows Vanessa to remain at the forefront of long jump and allows her to inspire others with her determined spirit. 

Vanessa’s message of perseverance and adaptability has allowed for her to become a role model for aspiring Paralympians and resonated with audiences across the globe. Whether Vanessa is competing internationally or sharing her stories as a keynote speaker, she is seen as a true inspiration to those who listen.