Born in South Africa, Melissa moved to Tasmania at the age of twelve and quickly developed a passion for swimming.
What followed was international acclaim for her achievements in the pool, which include winning nine medals at the Atlanta and Sydney Paralympics in freestyle, butterfly and backstroke. She took gold in the 400 metres freestyle and the 4 by 100 metres freestyle relay. Melissa has also won medals in several world competitions and previously held the world record for the 800 metres freestyle.
Melissa is an ambassador for those with a disability and was recently named by The Examiner newspaper as one of 50 Tasmanians of influence.
She was appointed Manager of Launceston Aquatic last year, after more than 11 years in the industry including working as the Programs and Marketing Coordinator for the Hobart Aquatic Centre and acting as Manager of that facility on several occasions.
