Taryn Dickens, an Able Seaman in the Royal Australian Navy, has faced adversity with unwavering determination and a spirit that shines through even in the darkest of times. Her journey, marked by both personal and professional challenges, is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

Navy Service and the Unexpected Twist

Taryn Dickens’ Naval journey commenced in 2017, when she enlisted as a Weapons Rate Electronics Technician at 34 years old. She spent her earlier years as a mechanical and electrical tradie and enjoy the hands-on work. Her initial posting at HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney had her stationed in a maintenance workshop, where her experience as a civilian fitter and turner served her well. However, her life took an unexpected turn during the Christmas standdown period of 2018-2019 when her eyesight began to deteriorate. During an interview with us, Taryn described the sensation as “like looking through a kaleidoscope”. It was during this time when Taryn’s journey of visual impairment began.

As Taryn explains it, her condition is “a life sentence, not a death sentence” and despite these challenges, Taryn was determined to be resilient. She was repositioned to Canberra, where she transitioned to an office role and found her calling as an advocate for change and inclusion, proudly representing the Australian Defence Forces in the world of sports, fitness, and leadership.

Gigi: A Beacon of Support and Companionship

Taryn’s journey took an inspiring turn with the arrival of Gigi, her faithful assistance dog. After being diagnosed with Cone-Rod Dystrophy, Gigi became her constant companion thanks to the Defence Community Dogs program. This incredible bond offered Taryn the confidence to step out and navigate her new world. Beyond companionship, Gigi provided Taryn with a newfound sense of independence.

Gigi’s presence helped Taryn face the hurdles of adapting to her changing vision. Taryn’s declining eyesight had presented challenges, such as tunnel vision and extreme light sensitivity. To cope with these challenges, she uses rose-tinted glasses and monitor adjustments.

A Dream to Compete: The Paralympic Aspiration

Taryn has always had an unwavering spirit and love for sports. Before the COVID-19 pandemic she had been training as a track cyclist, going so far as to qualify for the Bathurst to Blaney Gran Fondo event, a 100km road cycling race. However, with her evolving condition the demands of longer races became increasingly challenging. Finding new sports to fit her passion and condition might have been difficult if she hadn’t stumbled upon Para-biathlon and XC Skiing. The Para-biathlon is a winter sport which combines target shooting and cross country skiing.

Her journey into winter sports began with a tri-service competition called Exercise Coolshot in August 2022. Taryn tried cross-country skiing and biathlon for the first time and instantly fell in love with these sports. A fateful encounter with Gary ‘Curtis’ Steiger of Veterans Emergency Services Para-biathlon Australia (VESPA) revealed a unique opportunity – there had never been a vision-impaired Australian in Para Nordic skiing. With this realization, her dream of competing at the Paralympics ignited and she is now on the path to compete in the 2026 Paralympics in Italy.

Here at Navy Health, we have aided Taryn Dickens’ journey by supporting her goal and playing a pivotal part in getting her to the Para Nordic World Cup finals in Soldier Hollow, Utah. This is where Taryn had the first opportunity to handle a biathlon rifle designed for individuals with vision impairments. With the 2026 Paralympics on the horizon, Taryn is resolute in her determination to overcome every challenge that stands in her path. She raised a commendable $9,000 upon returning to Australia, which enabled her to acquire a rifle for training in her home country.

Inspiring Others and Looking to the Future

Taryn’s journey isn’t just about personal accomplishment; it’s about inspiring others. She believes that “you can’t be what you can’t see.”, and that’s why she is striving to become a source of inspiration for those around her. By pursuing her dreams and competing at the Paralympics, she hopes to inspire others to explore new horizons, regardless of their challenges.

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Taryn also co-captained the 2023 Australian Invictus Games team. This experience filled her with pride, knowing that she played a vital role in motivating fellow veterans to rediscover their pride in wearing their country’s uniform. The camaraderie and shared experiences during the Invictus Games were especially meaningful to Taryn. She explained that “knowing that you could squeeze the hand of your mate beside you or stand close and not have to explain why” was a privilege to be a part of.

Taryn’s journey has been aided by organisations like Navy Health, and she hopes for continued support from readers and sponsors to achieve her Paralympic dreams. At the time of this article being posted, Taryn is excited about her upcoming trip to Canmore, Canada, to be internationally classified as this will significantly contribute to her journey as it is essential to determine her eligibility and secure her class allocation for participation in the 2026 Paralympics.

A Message of Hope and Resilience

Taryn Dickens’ journey is one of strength and determination and is a testament to her ability to adapt and inspire, even in the face of adversity. Her message to others facing challenges is clear: “Time honestly does fix most things. If it isn’t possible to fix it, make the most of it.” Taryn’s story is one of hope for anyone who may be struggling with health issues, be it vision loss or another form of disability.

As she continues on her path to the Paralympics, her story will undoubtedly inspire many to reach for their dreams and overcome these challenges.