World Number One Paraclimbing Dream 2022

Kia ora.

My name is Rachel Māia and I am a New Zealand below the knee amputee Paraclimber. I am also a single Mum of three. My eldest is high needs and is one of 30 in the world with a rare chromosome special edition (we say super powered!). She brings some magical colours to my world and also some extreme challenges, but she is my biggest supporter, often waking us all in the morning with the national anthem blasting and waving a New Zealand flag.

I'm on a mission to bring home New Zealand first ever medal in Sport Climbing. There hasn't been a New Zealander on an IFSC podium in either able or paraclimbing and the latter feels so within reach for me! But after placing fourth in the 2018 World Championships and then fourth again in the 2019 World Championships covid brought the dream to a jarring stand still.

Through the nearly 3 year covid time warp I have continued to use climbing and exercise to manage chronic pain, a complication of my amputation, and to support mental health. And I've not given up the dream!

I have learned though that as they say it takes takes a village to raise children. It also takes a village to become a World Champion. I am trying to do both!

This year I will return to international paraclimbing for all three World Cups. I am so excited to see all the mahi and literal blood sweat and tears come to fruition, and I can not wait to hopefully bring home that so far elusive medal.

Any donation, big or small, towards training and travel would be so greatly appreciated. There is no wall in my city, and so training requires a minimum of a 3 hour round trip drive to reach a facility.

Paraclimbing is an unfunded Sport in New Zealand and the weight of raising it all oneself is stressful amidst training and parenting. But this has been a constant and evolving journey of self belief and not giving up, and I hope that my pathway to a podium for New Zealand will encourage everyone around me that with the right community and support, your dreams are possible.

If you're not in a place to donate, that's okay! Please hit share for me. Every share is valuable and appreciated!

I acknowledge it's awkward fundraising for sports when there are so many valuable and worthy causes in our sometimes messy world. I appreciate every one of you.

You are all my team.

Ngā mihi. Rachel.