Rylee Sayer has had a breakout season in 2025, achieving the minimum qualifying standard in five events for the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore where she will make her Aquablack debut.

Sayer’s mother, Amanda, enrolled her in learn to swim lessons at the age of five because she kept jumping in the water. Since then, Sayer has loved being in the water. Her first swimming club was Thames, where she was coached by Libby Grey and Chloe Green.

Sayer broke her first NZ record in 2022 in the 100m breaststroke SB14, a year later she represented New Zealand at the Virtus Global Games in 2023 – with her best result being eighth in the 200m breaststroke SB14.

Later in 2023, Sayer was diagnosed with cancer, which resulted in her right arm being amputated. Swimming was a motivator throughout her treatment and recovery, and she returned to compete at the 2024 Apollo Projects NZ Swimming Championships whilst still undergoing treatment – something that she values as a career highlight.

Following the amputation, Sayer was reclassified as an S7 swimmer and has developed rapidly. In 2025, she broke the NZ record in the 50m freestyle S7, became national champion in the 50m butterfly multi-class, and picked up two silver medals at the World Para Series event in Melbourne. Sayer qualified for Singapore in five individual events, with the teenager set to turn 17 during her debut World Para Swimming Championships.

Sayer loves swimming and how being in the water makes her feel calm and safe. She thrives when racing, feeling the adrenaline and aspiring to improve each time she competes.

Outside of the pool, Sayer is continuing her high school studies at Hauraki Plains College. She enjoys cooking, reading books, playing with her dog Dave and watching her beloved Mercedes team in Formula One. She is a passionate advocate for amputees, and is proud that she can tie her shoelaces with one hand.

Favourite Quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela