We recently sat down with Jocelyn Neumueller – Paralympian (Rio 2016), 6-time world champion across paracanoe and adaptive surfing, and lawyer at Sierra Legal. Earlier this month, she added to her accolades by winning the ISA Para Surfing World Championships in California.
Read the Q&A below to learn more about Jocelyn, her passions, and her journey.
- When did you start working at Sierra Legal, and what was your initial role?
I was fortunate to do a university placement with Sierra Legal in 2022, which had a focus on the firm’s digital automation services. After completing my placement, I was offered a role as a Law Clerk, allowing me to continue working in this area while completing my studies.
- How did you first become interested in coding, and what do you enjoy most about your work at Sierra Legal?
In 2021, I was introduced to coding through a 'Law in a Digital Age' course. The subject covered basic coding and document automation, and we were partnered with a local not-for-profit to develop a practical solution over six weeks. This experience sparked my interest in coding and digital automation, which has since become one of my favourite aspects of my job at Sierra Legal. I love the challenge and variety coding offers, learning new languages, and seeing the real-world benefits of digital automation in the legal sector.
- Can you tell us a little about your background in sports – when did you start your journey as an athlete?
Growing up, I was heavily involved in a lot of sports, but my life changed when I contracted a rare autoimmune disease that led to paralysis. At that time, I was competing in sailing at a national level. About a year later, I was introduced to para-sailing, which opened up many opportunities to try new sports and return to competitive sport.
- After competing in paracanoe at the Rio Paralympics, you transitioned to adaptive surfing. What inspired this change, and what challenges or surprises did you experience along the way?
In early 2018, I sustained a significant brachial plexus injury during a training session, which ended my paracanoe career. While it was deeply disappointing at the time, as I felt I was just beginning to reach my peak in the sport, it opened doors to explore new sports, including table tennis, swimming, and surfing. I quickly realised that I had enjoyed the physical and mental challenges of paracanoe and wanted to find a sport that offered similar challenges.
During COVID in 2020, after major surgery, I couldn’t return to the water for swim training due to infections. Instead, I tried surfing with friends and quickly became addicted to the challenge and the sense of freedom and independence it provided. From there, I was hooked. I’ve been competing on the World Tour for the past three years, pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in prone surfing.
- Congratulations on your recent ISA Para World Championship win! Could you share a bit about your experience winning that title in California?
Thank you! I was stoked that we were able to take out the ISA World Championship title in the Prone 2 category in such challenging conditions. It was the perfect way to cap off an incredible year - winning the AASP World Championship Tour title with victories at every event stop and scoring two perfect 10s across the season. This success is a testament to the dedication and hard work from my entire team.
Leading the Australian team as co-captain at the ISA World Championships and securing a team bronze medal (our first since 2017) took the experience to a whole new level! I couldn’t be prouder of the team and all that we have achieved together.
- Who’s the coolest person you’ve met on your journey - someone who left you starstruck or who you’ve admired for a long time?
It’s hard to pinpoint a single person who has been the "coolest" or the most impactful on my journey. One of the best parts of the para sporting community is the sheer number of incredible, inspiring individuals, each with their own story of overcoming significant, life-changing events to get to where they are today. Every athlete continues to live life to the fullest, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sport and in life more broadly.
- What do you find most fulfilling about competing at such a high level?
I love the mental and physical challenges that come with competing at this level. It’s incredibly fulfilling to push myself and see the progress that results from dedication and hard work.
Equally motivating is the impact on the next generation of athletes in this sport. I’ve had the privilege of introducing and mentoring emerging athletes like Annie Goldsmith and witnessing the transformative power of sport - how it fosters purpose, builds community, and truly changes lives. This impact motivates me more than any title could.
- If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
This is a tough one! I’d say determined, impactful, and resilient. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
- Outside of work and training, how do you like to unwind?
I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s e-foiling, bike riding, taking my dog, Coco, on adventures. I also like cooking and planning new activities. I’m always excited about booking new adventures around the world, including sit skiing, skydiving and surfing.
- Finally, what’s next for you in your sporting journey? Any big goals on the horizon?
While I’m keen to focus a bit more on establishing my career in law, I still have some big goals in surfing. I’d love to be the first female para-prone surfer to land a proper aerial and surf a wave over 12 feet.