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The continuation of Australia’s outstanding record in Paralympic cycling rests with the 13 athletes named by Paralympics Australia to represent the nation at Paris 2024.
Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin announced the Australian Paralympic Team’s newest members at a ceremony held online and attended by AusCycling Para Technical Director Warren McDonald.
The powerful squad is headlined by three reigning Paralympic champions – Amanda Reid, Emily Petricola and Darren Hicks – includes Para-triathlon world champion Lauren Parker who will realise her goal of competing in two sports at Paris 2024 and features the return of tandem riders to Australia’s team.
“Australian Para-cycling has a long legacy and strong tradition of performing at the Paralympics,” McDonald said.
“This team is no different and this is their turn to honour those that have come before them and continue to be the best they can in representing Australia and wearing the green and gold.”
McDonald said it was particularly exciting to have the tandems back, with Jess Gallagher and pilot Caitlin Ward, and Kane Perris piloted by Luke Zaccaria. Perris is the brother of medal-winning Paralympic athletics sprinter Chad Perris.
“I would like to pay homage to the athletes that missed out on the team due to changed qualification from Tokyo,” he added. “There are some very high quality cyclists who missed out but are showing great support for the team that will compete in Paris.”
McLoughlin, the Chef de Mission, said cycling held a treasured place in Australia’s Paralympic history.
“Cycling was first included at the Paralympics in 1984, Australia first competed in the sport in 1988 and, amazingly, by 1996 we were the top-ranked nation, a position we held also at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.
“Along the way, legends were made. Among them were Chris Scott, who won 10 medals, including six gold. The late great Kieran Modra won eight medals, including five gold, and Carol Cooke, a three-time gold medallist from three Paralympic Games appearances.
“The team we’ve named for Paris 2024 follows the footsteps of giants and we have every confidence they will make a tremendous contribution to Australian Paralympic cycling’s proud history.”
Australian Cycling Team for Paris 2024
Korey Boddington
Meg Lemon
Emily Petricola
Amanda Reid
Lauren Parker
Alana Forster
Jessica Gallagher
Caitlin Ward (pilot)
Darren Hicks
Alistair Donohoe
Gordon Allan
Kane Perris
Luke Zaccaria (pilot)
By David Sygall, Paralympics Australia.
Published 30 July, 2024.
