Paralympian #236 Neelam O’Neill

Hello, my name is Neelam O’Neill 

My love of shooting began on family camping holidays where I would shoot at cans and targets with my family.

After discovering Shooting Para Sport while studying in Auckland, I quickly realised it was the sport for me. The challenge of combining focus, precision and mental strength is what keeps me coming back. Since then, I’ve gone on to represent New Zealand on the international stage, earning selection for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. As the first New Zealand woman in 40 years to compete in Shooting Para Sport at a Paralympics, I’ve proudly helped break new ground for the sport. My motivation now is to keep pushing my limits, compete with the world’s best, and inspire more women and girls to step onto the range and chase their own Paralympic dreams. 

Fun facts

• My perfect weekend includes coffee, time with friends and the outdoors. 

• My go-to dinner is chicken curry with a mango lassi on the side. 

• My bucket list goal is to inspire girls and women to give shooting a go.