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Sionann Murphy is one of New Zealand’s most exciting young Para athletes. We find out more about the 16-year-old Aucklander in our latest Q and A.

Why did you start athletics?

Mum and dad wanted me to try it when I was four-years-old and I’m still involved today.

What was the last piece of athletics advice you received?

‘Lift my hips up, quick feet’, this was in reference to the shot throw.

What has been your career highlight?

Breaking the New Zealand U-20 F37 shot put record twice at Porritt Stadium.

Where do you see your athletics career ten years from now?

I hope to have two Paralympic Games under my belt plus the World Championships.

What is your greatest mistake in athletics?

Listening to people who think they know a lot about athletics but they actually know very little.

Which athlete is the most interesting to follow on social media?

Dame Valerie Adams.

Do you have a favourite athletics social media post?

Yes, it was a Parafed Auckland post with Alyssa Baxter, Paddy Walsh, Bhakti Patel and myself!

If you could change one thing about the sport, what would it be and why?

I would like to change judgemental and toxic behaviour in sport, and change it into positive behaviour.

Which athlete do you most admire from your event?

Lisa Adams and Dame Valerie Adams.

Outside of athletics, what is your greatest accomplishment this year?

Breaking several New Zealand records in swimming, plus finding the 100m breaststroke in my classification is part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games schedule.

What was your most embarrassing moment in high school?

I stayed on a marae at a school camp but I kept missing the persons nose when giving a hongi, which held the whole line up. I had to re-do the hongi and I kept messing it up!

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

A teacup pig because they are so cute and small.

Do you have a nickname?

Shazza.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? 

Stop toxic behaviour so people would be kinder to each other, especially if you’re different.

What is the funniest joke you know? 

I’m not good at remembering jokes.

Where do you see yourself when you are 50?

I hope to be a decorated Paralympian with lots of success.

What is the most ridiculous fact you know? 

Teacup pigs are forced to be deformed to be their size, which is sad.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?

Make Covid-19 go away so we get some consistency in sport without the extra stress.

If you could host a talk show, what three guests would you invite?

Lisa Adams, Dame Valerie Adams and Eliza McCartney.