Niamh Mac Alasdair

BIOGRAPHY

After just four years in the sport, 20-year-old Niamh Mac Alasdair will make her senior Australian team debut at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.

The opportunity to compete against other para-athletes has been a major turning point in the junior athletics career of Niamh.

“I used to hate sport as a kid because I thought I was horrible at it, but now that I am competing against people like me, I have realised I actually love it,” said Naimh.

Now in a position to influence young para-athletes, she is keen to be a role model. It also provides inspiration for her own career.

“Making sure little kids know that there is a place in sport for them, motivates me to train and compete, giving them an example and role model so they know it’s possible.”

Like most Niamh has found it tough managing her sport during the transitions years from school to work/university.

“This is my fourth year of competing, and my whole life changed so quickly, sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated and keep up with such a busy schedule but my squad, Kinetic Track Squad, is the best, most loving group of people, who have been there every second of the way and always find a way to keep training fun.”

New Delhi will not be Niamh’s first Australian team, previously competing at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, where she won silver in the T38 long jump. At the World Para Athletics Championships, she will compete in the T37 100m.

Hero: Cathy Freeman…Biggest influence on career: Probably my mum, she was the one who convinced me to join Kinetic Track Squad, and she’s been with me every step of the way, taking me to training, giving me pep-talks. I wouldn’t be here without her and how much she’s given me over the years…Advice to your young self: There’s a place for you in sport, just keep showing up, and giving it your all…Interests: I love to read, it’s a great way to calm my mind after a training session or competition. I also like doing puzzles, or building Lego, it’s very simple and easy, perfect after a long day…Occupation: University student and receptionist at a physiotherapy clinic…Education: currently doing an undergraduate degree at the University of Western Australia, hoping to secure a place in a post-graduate law degree…Disability: I have hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which means I fatigue quickly, affecting me both day to day and in competition, as well as muscle tone, spasms and weakness which make training harder.

@ 22 Sept 2025  david.tarbotton@athletics.org.au