VIS TV Road to Rio - Episode 4

Episode four takes you behind the scenes with Melissa “Milly” Tapper, who is seeking to become the first Australian to compete at both an Olympics and a Paralympics in Rio next year.

VIS table tennis player Melissa Tapper is seeking to become the first Australian to compete at both an Olympics and a Paralympics in Rio de Janerio next year.

Having finished a frustrating fourth in singles at the 2012 London Paralympics, Tapper says she is "working towards a gold in the Paras" in Rio.

But, before that, the VIS athlete's dream is of a debut among the "able-bods" at the Olympic Games, where just to qualify and compete at her very best would almost be reward enough.

Enjoy this episode and follow Milly on her  #VISRoadtoRio:

Produced by Lachlan McKinnon: https://au.linkedin.com/in/lachlanmckinnonmelbaus
Music by HOWQUA "Art Beat" Instrumental
Photo credit: Australian Paralympic Committee

About VIS TV Road to Rio
VIS TV Road to Rio profile series featuring a selection of VIS Rio Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, presented by ‪#‎776BC‬.


Latest News

Throwing herself into history: Stephanie Ratcliffe’s rise in hammer throw hero image

Throwing herself into history: Stephanie Ratcliffe’s rise in hammer throw

September 12, 2025

Stephanie Ratcliffe’s Olympic debut came after a season of highs, setbacks, and steady support. Now back in Melbourne, she’s focused on the next challenge: the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

Flexible fathers hero image

Flexible fathers

September 7, 2025

Supporting Victoria’s athletes to be their best starts with ensuring our staff can perform at their best too. That means maintaining an adaptive workplace that values flexibility and supports parents.

Managing low iron: Inside the VIS approach to athlete nutrition hero image

Managing low iron: Inside the VIS approach to athlete nutrition

September 5, 2025

​For many athletes, tiredness comes with the territory. Long training blocks, early mornings, and demanding schedules all take their toll. But when fatigue lingers despite rest and recovery, it may signal something more than just a heavy workload.

Olympic Champion Dr Lauren Burns OAM to lead VIS as Chair hero image

Olympic Champion Dr Lauren Burns OAM to lead VIS as Chair

September 4, 2025

Olympic gold medallist Dr Lauren Burns OAM OLY has been appointed as Chair of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) – bringing years of sport and academia experience to the role.

Inspiring young Victorians on the road to 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games hero image

Inspiring young Victorians on the road to 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games

August 20, 2025

Olympian Tess Lloyd has swapped her Olympic sailing gear for a new role at the VIS, helping athletes share their stories and inspire Victorians. Being an athlete speaker herself, it was a full-circle moment when she returned to the classroom alongside two VIS winter athletes. Hear what makes this role so meaningful for her and how she’s helping inspire the community.

Related news

See all our partners

VIS is proudly supported by