A seasoned swimmer from the Sunshine Coast is ready to lead the charge for Australia’s Paralympic team in Paris.
Palmview’s Brenden Hall will carry the flag alongside track and field star Madison de Rozario at the opening ceremony on August 29.
The 31-year-old, who made his Paralympic debut at Beijing 16 years ago, will then hit the pool for a raft of events.
He is among a host of athletes with links to the region who will take part in the Games. About a dozen of them will compete in swimming, wheelchair rugby and triathlon.
Hall said he would benefit from years of experience.
“A lot has changed since 2008,” he said via a University of the Sunshine Coast media release.
“I’m older and the body’s more sore.
“But I’m still excited and just as pumped as I was the first time around. Smarter and wiser as well.
“I’m going to use all those qualities and little bits that I’ve learned over the years and put them to good use.”
A three-time gold medallist, he will compete in the 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly and 400m freestyle (S9).
Lakeisha Patterson will enter the pool as the two-time reigning 400m freestyle (S9) champion. She admitted to some nerves.
“It doesn’t necessarily get easier, but I think with that experience comes the knowledge of how to handle it,” she said.
“I’m super excited to get over there, and I can’t wait to see what our team can do in Paris after watching the Aussies absolutely smash it in the Olympics.”
Chris Bond, the captain of Australia’s wheelchair rugby team the Steelers, said members of the team had relished training on the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s the strongest (wheelchair rugby) training hub in the country,” he said.
Bond will be joined by veteran teammate Ryley Batt, who is heading to his sixth Games.
“As the world champions, we’ve got a target on our back. I know the other teams are chasing us, but personally I love that,” he said.
“It’s going to be a pressure cooker. I can guarantee you that there’s going to be a lot of tight games. There’s going to be one-point nail-biters. I’m just hoping our experience gets us over that line.”
Sunshine Coast Grammar student Grace Brimelow (swimming) and staff member Emilie Miller (wheelchair rugby) will be among those in action in Paris.
The school issued a media release, expressing support.
“The entire Grammar community is behind Grace and Emilie as they embark on this incredible journey to sporting greatness,” it stated.
“Their achievements serve as an inspiration to all students, demonstrating that hard work, determination and resilience can lead to remarkable opportunities.”
Ms Miller, who suffered a spinal injury at a young age, was ready to make her mark.
“Sport provides a powerful platform for everyone, especially for people with a disability,” she said.
“It is an essential part of rehabilitation, offering social connections and meaningful training experiences.”
Mayor Rosanna Natoli expressed well wishes to Sunshine Coast athletes.
“It is truly remarkable to see so many talented individuals from our region showcasing their skills on a global stage,” she told Sunshine Coast News.
“I’d like to acknowledge their dedication, perseverance and wish them the very best of luck.
“The Sunshine Coast will be cheering loudly for each and every one of our Paralympians in the coming weeks.
“I’d also like to invite our community to come along and be part of Council’s free Paralympic LIVE event on August 29 at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Sports Arena in Sippy Downs.
“The event will offer come-and-try wheelchair basketball and rugby for all ages and abilities.
“It will also feature the Paralympics Opening Ceremony highlights on the big screen, a showcase wheelchair rugby game thanks to the Suncoast Spinners, barbecue, children’s activities and more.
“Importantly, it will be an exciting opportunity to come together and cheer for the Australian wheelchair rugby team, the Steelers, in their first Paralympic game, live from Paris.”
Name, age, (events) resident city/town, birthplace
- Brenden Hall, 31, (M Para-swimming 100m Back, 100m Fly, 400m Free S9) Palmview, Nambour.
- Grace Brimelow, 17, F (Para-triathlon PTS4) Woombye, Nambour.
- Thomas Gallagher, 25, (M Para-swimming 50m Free, 100m Free, 100m Back S10), Mountain Creek, Bridgend.
- Ruby Storm, 20, (F Para-swimming 100m Breast, 200m Free S14,SB14,SM14), Palmview, Upper Ferntree Gully.
- Jenna Jones, 23, (F Para-swimming 100m Back, 100m Free, 100m Breast S12, SB12, SM12), Buderim, Maitland.
- Ben Hance, 24, (M Para-swimming 100m Fly, 100m Back S14, SB14, SM14) Mountain Creek, Carlton.
- Beau Vernon, 35, (M Wheelchair Rugby 0.5), Mountain Creek, Mount Waverley.
- Callum Simpson, 17, (M Para-swimming 400m Free, 100m Free S8, SB8, SM8), Maroochydore, Plymouth.
- Ryley Batt, 35, (M Wheelchair Rugby 3.5) Bli Bli, Port Macquarie.
- Emily Beecroft, 24, (F Para-swimming 100m Free, 100m Fly S9) Pacific Paradise, Traralgon.
- Maddie McTernan, 23, (F Para-swimming 200m Free, 100m Back S14, SB14, SM14) Arundel, Nambour.
- Chris Bond, 38, (M Wheelchair Rugby 3.5) Baringa, Frankston.
- Emilie Miller, 29, (F Wheelchair Rugby 0.5), Bathurst/Sunshine Coast, Orange.
- Korey Boddington, 28, (M Para-cycling Road / Track 1000m TT, Road Race MC4), Hamilton, Nambour.
- Alexa Leary, 23, (F Para-swimming 50m Free, 100m Free S9,SB8,SM9), Surfers Paradise/Noosa, Benowa.
- Lakeisha Patterson, 25, (F Para-swimming 100m Free, 200m IM S9, SB8, SM9), Caboolture, Wodonga – trains on Sunshine Coast.
- Ricky Betar, 20, (M Para-swimming 200m Free, 200m IM, 200m Back S14, SB14, SM14), Morayfield, Japan – trains on Sunshine Coast.
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