Eve Rimmer
New Zealand Paralympic athlete and multi-medal winner in archery and other sports.
Eve Rimmer was a New Zealand Paralympic athlete who competed in multiple sports, including archery, and became one of the country's most decorated paraplegic athletes. She won 32 medals at international sporting events, 22 of them gold, across athletics and swimming, and also participated in archery.
Quick Facts
- Full Name
- Eva Marion Rimmer
- Birth Name
- Eva Marion Davies
- Birth Date
- 3 April 1937
- Birth Place
- Whanganui, New Zealand
- Death Date
- 23 November 1996 · 3 April 1937
- Header Color
- lightsteelblue
- Show Medals
- yes
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Eve Rimmer grew up in the small rural town of Edgecumbe, where she was a talented young athlete. She held her school's long jump record for many years on natural ability alone, despite poor academic credentials, and left school as soon as she was old enough. In 1952, at age fifteen, she was left paralysed from the waist down after a vehicle crash on a dark wet night. This life-changing experience did not prevent her from becoming one of the best athletes in the world. She went on to win medals in shot put, javelin, pentathlon, discus, swimming, and archery. She was the first woman selected to represent New Zealand at the Paralympics, the only female among fourteen men at the 1968 Tel Aviv Games, and the only one to bring home medals. She continued representing New Zealand at the Paralympics in Heidelberg (1972), Toronto (1976), and Arnhem (1980), winning a total of 14 Paralympic medals, 8 of them gold. She was also successful in the Commonwealth Paraplegic Games and domestic competitions.
Reader's Guide
Eve Rimmer's significance extends beyond her athletic achievements. She was actively involved with paraplegic organisations throughout New Zealand and gave many paraplegics worldwide the belief that they could achieve anything. She founded the Disabilities Resource Centre in Whakatāne and organised the 1990 Games for Disabled in Whakatāne, an event that grew into the Eve Rimmer Games, held Easter weekend every two years. In 1990, she was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame due to her domination in paraplegic sport. She was runner-up for the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year title in 1972. In the 1973 New Year Honours, she received the British Empire Medal for services to paraplegics. Her personal life also reflected her determination: despite being told she would probably never conceive, she married Kelvin Stanley (Kel) Rimmer, a radio engineer, and gave birth to two healthy girls. The Whakatāne Council honoured her by naming a sports ground after her—Eve Rimmer Park, used for rugby league, netball, and BMX. She was named Bay of Plenty Sportsperson of the Year in 1992.
Did You Know?
- She won 32 medals at international sporting events, including 22 gold medals.
- She was paralysed from the waist down at age 15 after a vehicle crash on a dark wet night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eve Rimmer?
Eve Rimmer, born Eva Marion Davies on 3 April 1937 in Whanganui, New Zealand, was a Paralympic athlete who competed across multiple disciplines including archery, athletics, and swimming. She ultimately became one of New Zealand's most decorated paraplegic competitors.
What sports did Eve Rimmer compete in?
Although she is noted in archery circles for her participation in that sport, her competitive career was truly multi-sport, spanning athletics and swimming as well. She represented New Zealand at the international Paralympic level in all three disciplines.
How many medals did Eve Rimmer win?
She collected 32 medals at international sporting events, 22 of which were gold. That tally made her one of the most successful paraplegic athletes New Zealand has ever produced.
Where was Eve Rimmer from and what was her full birth name?
She was born in Whanganui, New Zealand, with the full name Eva Marion Davies. She later competed under the married name Eve Rimmer.
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