Melissa 'Milly' Tapper made history by representing Australia in table tennis at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. No other athlete in Australian sport has achieved the Olympic/Paralympic double, and now she is set to embark on her third Olympics and fourth Paralympics.
Discovering her love for the game during lunchtime sport at primary school, Milly reflected “I was terrible at the start with, but I enjoyed it, so it just went from there!” Since then, Milly has represented Australia at all levels, notably winning the TT6-10 Women’s Singles Gold medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Silver in the C9-10 Women’s Team at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and Bronze in the Women’s Team at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
In March, Milly secured her ticket to Paris by being selected for the Australian Paralympic team, and last month she also earned a spot on the Australian Olympic team following a qualifying event in Ballarat.
Milly credits many opportunities throughout her career to Banner Asset Management. “Banner has made it possible for me to travel overseas to attend competitions and training camps. More importantly, the support they’ve given LOOPS has been amazing.”
Located in Sunshine West, LOOPS provides state-of-the-art table tennis facilities, dedicated coaches, and tailored programs. “Banner’s support of LOOPS allows us to train to the best of our ability, in the best environment, locally,” said Milly.
One of the things Milly is most looking forward to is sharing the experience with fellow LOOPS team member and Banner-backed athlete, Finn Luu. “I remember Finn coming into LOOPS as a tiny six-year-old, wearing his cargo pants and Chuck Taylors. To share this, my last Olympics and his first, is amazing.”
She is also excited about competing in front of crowds. “Because of COVID, no one could come to Tokyo, so it will be great to have all my friends and family come along.”
And while we may not be there with you, Milly, the entire Banner team will be enthusiastically cheering you on from Australia!