Melissa Carlton OAM was born in South Africa and moved to Australia with her family at a young age. She took up swimming as a primary school student at Beechworth Primary, where her passion and talent for the sport quickly became evident.
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Her dedication, along with the support of her family, led her to compete in the 1996 and 2000 Paralympic Games, where she earned numerous medals and accolades.   Melissa's achievements in swimming have been recognised with the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM), celebrating her contributions to sports and her inspiring journey.

Today, Melissa is a secondary teacher, where she brings the same level of commitment and enthusiasm to the classroom that she once brought to the pool. Her role as an educator allows her to fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Additionally, Melissa is actively involved with various organisations, advocating for the transformative power of sport and encouraging others to pursue their dreams despite any obstacles they may face.
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Outside of her professional life, Melissa enjoys Pickleball, and is passionate about community sport.  Through her website and public engagements, Melissa Carlton OAM shares her story and insights, motivating others to believe in their potential and strive for greatness.

Professional Experience

  • Currently
    • Head of Digital Technologies and Secondary School Teacher.
  • Previous professional roles:

Paralympic Achievements

Sydney 2000 Paralympics
  • Silver Medal: 100m Freestyle
  • Silver Medal: 400m Freestyle Relay
  • Bronze Medal: 100m x 100m Freestyle
  • Bronze Medal: 4 x 100, Medley Relay
Atlanta 1996 Paralympics
  • 2 x Gold Medals: 400m Freestyle and 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay
  • 2 x Bronze Medals: 100m Freestyle and 100m Butterfly
  • 1 Bronze: 100m Backstroke.
1994 Commonwealth Games
  • Gold Medal: 100m Freestyle

Community Involvement

Curre​ntly:
  • Committee Member, Northern Suburbs Hobart Pickleball Club
Previously
  • Sate President, Pickleball Tasmania
  • Director, Pickleball Australia Association
  • Sate Secretary, Pickleball Tasmania
  • Chair of the Glenorchy City Council Sport and Recreation Advisory Special Committee
  • Wikipedia Editor - Australian Sport Project (Paralympics)
  • 2013 | 14 President of the Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise

Awards and Recognition

2025 - Inducted in the Tasmanian Women's Hall of Fame
2014 - Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary International)
2005 - Inducted in to the Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame
2000 - Order of Australia Medal - Services to Sport

Competition highlights

1994 Commonwealth Games
Vancouver Island, Canada
Silver Medal, 100m Freestyle
Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games
Opening Ceremony
Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games