Gabriel
Cole

Paralympic athlete Gabriel Cole describes himself as artistic, passionate and driven, with an aggressive running style which sets him apart on the track.

Born with a left arm limb deficiency, Gabriel entered the world of Paralympic sport in 2009 after a teacher at school recommended him to athletics coach Steve Butler. The following year he was named South Australia’s AWD Athlete of the Year after representing Australia at the Oceania Games in Cairns and the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where he placed seventh in the 100m final – a result even more impressive considering he was racing with a torn hamstring.

Two years later Gabriel made his Paralympic debut at the London Games. Although his preparation was disrupted by an ongoing hamstring injury, he managed to place sixth in his heat, using this experience to help him to secure a Oceanian record and podium finish at the IPC World Championships in Lyon, France in 2013.

At Rio 2016 Gabriel improved significantly to place fourth in his heat and, qualifying on time, finish seventh in the final. The Malvern local is now working towards breaking the T47 world record.

Gabriel’s success outside of athletics is equally impressive. He enjoys skateboarding, surfing, fixed gear cycling, music and fashion. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Interior Architecture at the University of South Australia, and co-founded a streetwear brand, ‘Beyond Killa’ in early 2015. He also paint murals and produces art under the name ‘Pirate Material’.