Able Seaman Taryn Dickens achieved exactly what she set out to do at the 2026 Winter Paralympics from March 6 to 15.
"My goal was to cross the line, to show that you don't have to win medals, and to show somebody else they can achieve this too," Able Seaman Dickens said.
She represented Australia in Para Cross-Country Skiing and Para Biathlon in Milano Cortina.
Able Seaman Dickens described her time on the slopes as living the dream.
"Competing at Milano Cortina really has been incredible and I'm so proud of what I have achieved," she said.
"It has been an honour to represent Australia on the world stage, but also my colleagues in Navy and across the ADF."
Able Seaman Dickens was one of two Navy Paralympians at the games, with Lieutenant Commander Dave Miln also competing in Para Cross-Country Skiing and Para Biathlon.
The two made history in Italy, she said, as the first full-time serving members to compete in an Olympic or Paralympic Games.
Whenever she competed, Able Seaman Dickens was accompanied by her seeing guide, Lynn Maree Cullen.
Although supported by some excellent guides in the past, she said Ms Cullen was special.
"She's incredible, very calm and experienced; I can't ski without her," Able Seaman Dickens said.
"She's an extension of me."
'This has been an incredible experience that has taught me a lot about myself and how much I am capable of.'
The Paralympian was cheered on from Australia by her proud wife and family, who dressed up and painted their faces in the iconic green and gold for every event.
Able Seaman Dickens was also full of praise for her Italian hosts, the many international volunteers who helped run the games and the generosity of her competitors.
When she broke a ski pole in her first race, members of the Canadian team threw her a replacement pole so she could continue the race.
A seasoned competitive athlete, Able Seaman Dickens began experiencing degenerative vision loss about a decade ago.
Determined to fight on, she had her Australian debut in 2022 and made the Paralympics her goal.
"This has been an incredible experience that has taught me a lot about myself and how much I am capable of," she said.
"It's a testament to Navy that my efforts have been so encouraged and celebrated."
Recently returned home to Canberra, Able Seaman Dickens will compete in Nationals during Australia's winter season, and is already exploring opportunities at the Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
For now, it is mission accomplished.
"I hope my 2026 Paralympics journey will inspire others to overcome challenges they might experience and push themselves to reach new heights," Able Seaman Dickens said.
"I've received a bunch of messages, so I've achieved what I wanted - to get sport out there to people with vision impairment."
