Good sports: Neelam takes shot at Paralympics glory

Neelam O'Neill

Neelam O'Neill is a Northlander with a bit of a difference. Not only does the 21-year-old cope with spina bifida, have a degree and work, she has a goal to become the first female paralympic shooter for New Zealand since 1984. While she admits there is plenty to be done before realising her goal, Neelam is on her way ...

When did you get into the sport? How far do you hope to take your sporting endeavours?

My passion for shooting began from a young age which developed in high school where I shot .22 match rifles for a national small bore high school competition. I then moved to Auckland in 2011 for study and found Parafed Auckland Shooting Club, where I now shoot 10 metre air-rifle coached by Paralympic New Zealand gold medal shooter Michael Johnson. My goal is to become the first female para-shooter for New Zealand since 1984 (Allison Smith - Winter Paralympics), be able to shoot at an international level, and hopefully one day shoot at the Paralympics.

What is it that attracted you to shooting?

Shooting is a sport that requires precision, accuracy, concentration and a bit of chance. It's a rewarding feeling when you pull the trigger and shoot a 10.9 - the highest score on air-rifle single shot - even when you can't see the tiny white dot you're supposed to be aiming for. Plus I like doing a sport where I can beat the boys.

What is your disability?

I have Spina Bifida - Lymphomyelomeningocele. It's a birth defect which affects your lower back and legs.

So far, how do you think you're going with it?

I think I am doing pretty well, still got a lot of training and improvement to do though. I started doing national competitions last year where I got numerous placings. This year I got second at the Auckland Parafed Regionals. I am planning to go to the IPC World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, later in the year.

You're based in Auckland now right, what do you do outside of sport?

Yep, I recently graduated last week from the University of Auckland, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Psychology and Statistics. I am currently working part time for an organisation called the Renaissance Group as a supported living facilitator where I help other people with disabilities achieve their goals.