Donate Now
Paralympian Profile

Anna Taylor #225

Holly Robinson avatar - Pegasus Dream Tour

Paralympian #225 Anna Taylor first came into Para cycling through a Paralympics New Zealand talent identification camp in January 2018. She has been given a C4 classification after obtaining an Acute Cauda Equina Syndrome in September 2016 – severe disc prolapse that compressed the spinal cord. She underwent emergency decompression disc surgery and has subsequent weakness in the left leg, and minor weakness in the right.

Anna had a history as a highly accomplished rower prior to her injury. This included winning medals at USA National Club Championships and selected to the exclusive All American Rowing Team. Her rowing prowess saw her receive a full student athlete scholarship to Oregon State University.

Anna had a significant rehabilitation journey ahead of her following her surgery. She began her Para sport journey by taking up a new sport – Para cycling. In January 2018 she attended her first ever Para cycling camp, going on to make her international debut at the 2019 UCI Para Cycling Track World Championships. Anna was selected to the PNZ Para Cycling High Performance Squad in late 2019, following her success at the UCI Para Cycling Road World Cup in Canada in August that year.

Making her Paralympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Anna placed 5th in the Women’s C4 3000m Individual Pursuit. Her time of 3:54.167 was a new Paralympic Record but was later beaten by a fellow competitor. Anna concluded the Paralympic Games by placing 8th in the Women’s C4-5 500m Time Trial Final.

In 2022, Anna was selected to the New Zealand team for the Para Cycling Track World Championships, where she earned two bronze medals – one in the 500m Time Trial and one for the Omnium. But her best was still to come, as in 2023 she earned C4 Omnium gold at the World Championships to become a new Kiwi world champion.

2022 Para Cycling Track World Championships – Day 1

Watch Attitude’s short documentary on Anna

Anna is a fierce advocate for athletes, and represents the athlete voice in various forums, including the PNZ Athletes’ Council and the Athlete Leaders Network.

Paralympic Results
Paralympic GamesResult
Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
  • 5th - Women's C4 3000m Individual Pursuit

  • 8th - Women's C4-5 500m Time Trial

Send them a message of support

Write a message of support and we will pass it on. Paralympics New Zealand may share your message on this site and on our social media.

"*" indicates required fields

Name
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, jpeg, docx, doc, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 10.

    Profile

    • home icon

      Hometown: Cambridge

    • cake icon

      Born: 7 August 1991

    • Eligible Impairment: Loss of muscle power

    • person with heart icon

      Health Condition: Caudia equina syndrome (spinal cord injury)

    • whistle icon

      Coach: Damian Wiseman

    • open book icon

      Classification: C4

    • calendar icon

      Games Year: Tokyo 2020

    • star icon

      Para Sport: Para cycling

    You may also like

    You may also like

    Our Partners

    Major Partner

    Official Partners

    Team Supporters

    Official Suppliers

    Funding Partners