Since concluding her time as an inaugural member in mid-2024 of the Para Sport Collective, with the support of ACC, it is fair to say that Milly Marshall-Kirkwood has been thriving both on and off the track.
The talented Para thrower has continued her impressive progression, posting a national senior, U20, U19 and U18 record in the women’s F57 discus with a throw of 20.21m in Canberra in January – a performance which currently ranks her tenth in the world in the open Women’s Discus F57 and number one in the U20 age group.
Away from Para athletics, the 18-year-old from Taranaki is studying first-year Health Sciences at the University of Otago. Taking the first step towards a future career in medicine, pharmacy or physiotherapy, she is pursuing a long-held ambition to work in the healthcare sector.
Diagnosed with Marfan syndrome at just 18 months old and given only until the age of two to live, Milly spent countless days in Starship Hospital and New Plymouth Base Hospital.
“Since then, my love for helping others in a healthcare setting has grown,” she explains. “After having open-heart surgery at the age of six, I sent a letter to my heart surgeon thanking her for helping my heart. Before the operation, I could only bike a quarter of the way up the driveway; afterwards, I could bike up it three times. I told her I wanted to be just like her when I grew up, and I haven’t wavered.”
Having started university in February, her dream is to one day become an emergency doctor. Describing student life as “incredible”, she adds: “I adore what I’m studying. It’s busy and sometimes feels impossible, but the light at the end is bright. It keeps me going when the mornings are cold and the thought of an 8am biological physics lecture isn’t particularly appealing. My cup is full down here.”
With the importance of settling into university life and no major global Para athletics championships taking place in 2026, Milly has prioritised her studies for much of the year. Nevertheless, she achieved two significant milestones in January. Gaining international classification as an F57 athlete provided a huge sense of relief, while breaking through the 20-metre barrier for the first time was a moment she had long been chasing.
“That 20m mark had been taunting me for a while,” explains Milly, who earlier that week had also broken the national U20, U19 and U18 F57 shot put records.
“While I could achieve it in training, it just wasn’t happening in competition. I put a lot of pressure on myself after getting classified and heading into the ACT Championships. My first three throws weren’t incredible, and I was starting to lose focus. Then, on my fourth throw, I got the feeling – something you experience before the discus even leaves your hand that tells you it’s going to fly well.
“Waiting for the official measurement felt like forever and the suspense was killing me, but when it came up as 20.21m, it made the previous three years completely worth it. I went home with two beautiful gold medals and a priceless feeling in my heart.”
Coached by Auckland-based Paralympian #31 John Eden since the start of her Para athletics journey, following her move south Milly has recently connected with the highly experienced Raylene Bates. Bates served as Chef de Mission for the NZ Paralympic Team at Paris 2024.
Although sad to leave John and the PREP Throws Squad, Milly says she feels “privileged” to now work with Raylene, whose extensive knowledge of the Para sport has helped guide Paralympian #183 Holly Robinson MNZM to three Paralympic podium finishes.
Because of her decision to focus on her studies this year, her time working with Raylene has been somewhat limited. However, she plans to return to full training shortly and has clear ambitions for the years ahead.
“Following my international classification, I hope to compete at the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships in Uzbekistan and, ultimately, represent New Zealand at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games.”
Whatever she goes on to achieve, on or off the track, Milly will never forget the role the Para Sport Collective played in her development.
“When I reference my Para sport on applications and forms and talk about how it has taught me discipline, responsibility, time management, and the importance of being reliable and respectful within a team environment, I ultimately think of the Para Sport Collective.
“It feels like many moons ago that I first walked into AUT Millennium, saw the names of past Paralympians on the wall and sat down at the table feeling scared, lost and full of imposter syndrome while listening to all these incredible people speak.
“I owe a lot to the Para Sport Collective. We’re all still in contact, and my WhatsApp lights up a couple of times a week with someone sharing a great achievement or congratulating a fellow member on theirs.”
Cover Image: Jo Harlow
