Ten Outstanding Australian Athletes to Watch at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
As the anticipation builds for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Australia boasts an impressive contingent of athletes poised to compete for honors and make history in various events. This article presents a comprehensive overview of ten Australian competitors who are not only medal hopefuls but also embody the resilience and determination characteristic of the Paralympic spirit.
**Curtis McGrath – Canoeing**
A remarkable figure in Australian sport, Curtis McGrath, the co-captain of the Australian Paralympic team, is set to compete in his third Paralympic Games, having already garnered three gold medals. At 36 years of age, McGrath’s journey has been marked by overcoming adversity after losing both legs in a landmine explosion. He will be competing in the KL2 200m sprint and the VL3 events, where he aims to add to his medal tally.
**Madison De Rozario – Wheelchair Athletics**
Madison De Rozario, a distinguished athlete in wheelchair athletics, is in Paris to defend her gold medals from the Tokyo 2020 Games in the 800m and marathon events. At 30, De Rozario, who competes in the T53 classification, is also set to participate in the 1500m and 5000m races. She has been honored with the responsibility of being one of Australia’s flagbearers, alongside swimmer Brenden Hall, showcasing her prominence in the team.
**Lauren Parker – Triathlon and Cycling**
After finishing with a silver medal in the para-triathlon at the Tokyo Games, Lauren Parker is eager to leave Paris with three medals. At 35 years of age, Parker has made history as the first Australian in three decades to compete in two sports during the same Paralympic Games. She will be racing in the triathlon, cycling road race, and cycling time trial events, showcasing her extraordinary versatility.
**Vanessa Low – Athletics**
The accomplished T61 long jumper, Vanessa Low, is on a quest to win her third consecutive gold medal, having previously captured her first title with Germany in 2016 before representing Australia in Tokyo. At 34, this Paralympic Games marks her return after the birth of her son, Matteo, in 2022, adding a personal dimension to her athletic ambitions.
**Qian Yang – Table Tennis**
Qian Yang, a former Chinese athlete who transitioned to represent Australia at the Tokyo Games, has consistently brought home medals in both singles and doubles events. Now 28 years old, Yang will compete in both the women’s singles and women’s doubles categories, continuing her impressive Paralympic career.
**Alexa Leary – Swimming**
Alexa Leary made headlines earlier this year by qualifying for her first Paralympic Games in Paris. The 23-year-old athlete turned to swimming following a severe cycling accident in 2021, and she will compete in the S9 50m and 100m freestyle events, demonstrating remarkable resilience in her journey.
**Eithen Leard – Wheelchair Basketball**
Eithen Leard, an 18-year-old up-and-coming talent in wheelchair basketball, is considered a rising star and will be making his Paralympic debut. Leard has been an integral part of the Rollers setup since his early teens, and his inclusion reflects Australia’s commitment to fostering new talent.
**Ben Hance – Swimming**
Ben Hance, a standout performer in the Tokyo Games, returns to compete in his second Paralympics with three previous medals under his belt. The 24-year-old S14 swimmer aims to defend his 100m backstroke gold and is eager to add the 100m butterfly to his achievements, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Australian swimming.
**Hani Watson – Powerlifting**
Hani Watson, competing in the +86kg category, alongside teammate Ben Wright, is part of Australia’s first Paralympic powerlifting team in 12 years. Often referred to as the “Bench Queen,” Watson secured a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and aims to make her mark in Paris after finishing eighth at the previous world championships.
**Celine Vinot – Badminton**
Celine Vinot, a 27-year-old athlete from Melbourne, finished fifth at the world championships last year and brings competitive spirit to the badminton courts. Vinot’s unique background, with her father being French, may bolster the local support as she competes in Paris.
These ten athletes represent not just the aspirations of Australia at the Paralympics, but also the enduring spirit of perseverance and excellence. As the Games approach, all eyes will be on Paris to witness their remarkable achievements and contributions to the Paralympic movement.
Post Comment