Emily’s shock withdrawl

The star track athlete was initially cleared to race after she received burns to her legs about three weeks before leaving Australian shores.

However, she was ruled out of the Paralympics at a two week training camp in Florida prior to leaving for Rio de Janeiro.

Emily’s proud father Ben Tapp said she had taken some time to visit family members in Queensland after learning of the disappointing news.

“Obviously it was pretty shattering stuff for her,” Mr Tapp said.

“It was really big for her, she’s been training for a good two-and-a-half years to try and get there and she was really committed.”

Emily has captured the hearts of thousands on her journey to the Paralympics after a tragic campdrafting accident in 2011 left her without the use of her legs.

Determined to turn her devastating experience into a positive, Emily started competing in the para-triathlon where she became known as one of Australia’s toughest competitors.

Being a relatively new event, Emily’s preferred PT1 para-triathlon will not be part of the Paralympic schedule until Tokyo in 2020.

However, the talented athlete kept her dream alive, focusing on the track and qualifying for several events at the games in Rio.

The Katherine Times and Queensland Country Life ran a story about Emily prior to her departure which attracted positive comments from supporters across the country.

Mr Tapp said the way Emily has been able to move on from her devastating accident made him incredibly proud of his daughter.

“Gold medal or no gold medal it doesn’t change how I think of her,” he said.

“To me as the parent I think her big achievement is coming to terms with her accident and the change in her life back four years ago.

“For a young girl with her life ahead of her and to have that happen, I’m just proud that she’s managed to get over that part.”