Gold medallist who endured 16 surgeries in 9 months hangs up oars
Nikki Ayers, a celebrated Australian Paralympian, has announced her retirement from rowing after a remarkable career. She won gold in the PR3 mixed double sculls at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, overcoming significant personal challenges including 16 surgeries. Ayers hopes for systemic changes in sports to better support athletes facing discrimination in the future.
- ▪Nikki Ayers endured 16 surgeries on her right leg due to a rugby injury before becoming a Paralympian.
- ▪She won Australia's first para-rowing gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics alongside teammate Jed Altschwager.
- ▪Ayers has spoken out about facing ableism, homophobia, and sexism throughout her career.
- ▪She plans to maintain her fitness and is open to exploring other sports in the future.
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Australian Paralympic great Nikki Ayers announces retirement from rowingBy Adriane Reardon and Eddie WilliamsABC South East NSWTopic:RowingMon 25 May 2026 at 1:39pmMon 25 May 2026 at 1:39pmMon 25 May 2026 at 1:39pmParalympian Nikki Ayers has announced her retirement from rowing. (ABC News: Tony Hill)In short:Nikki Ayers teamed up with Jed Altschwager to win gold in the PR3 mixed double sculls at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.The 35-year-old has announced her retirement, reflecting on a career that saw her face ableism, homophobia and sexism.What's next?Ayers isn't ruling out taking up a different elite sport in the future.abc.net.au/news/nikki-ayers-paralympic-rower-retires/106716936Link copiedShareShare articleNikki Ayers endured 16 surgeries in the space of nine months on her way to the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).