Swimmers Stock Up On Silver In Final Session

Australia’s swimming program at the Paris Paralympics came to a close with a brilliant silver medal in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay 34pts at La Defense Arena and indications of a strong future for Australian Para-swimming. 

The relay team of Rowan Crothers, Alexa Leary, Callum Simpson and Chloe Osborn registered 4:01.90 behind the team from Italy which had to produce a world record 4:01.54 to stave off the Australians.  

It was the second silver medal of the day, after Col Pearse touched second in the men’s 200m individual medley SM10. 

The final session medals topped off a campaign which yielded six gold, eight silver and 13 bronze medals.  

Crothers said of the relay: “That was so much fun … lot of strategy with mixed medley relay but it’s not about being the best but trying your best.” 

Pearse said of his individual medal: “I worked my ass off to get here. So to be able to walk away with some silverware, it just means so much … to those kids with disabilities from regional areas, be patient and love who you are.”

Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson finished off with an 8th placing in the men’s 200m freestyle S3 and said: “To make four finals … and two bronze medals, it’s probably my best Games. Four weeks has gone past … has been an amazing campaign, it’s been pretty special.  

“Watching my roommate Lewis (Bishop)… I feel a bit like his father, and Ben Hance’s races were pretty special,” Patterson, 35, said.

Jasmine Greenwood (2:34.66) and Keira Stephens (2:36.28) claimed fifth and sixth respectively in the women’s 200m individual medley SM10.

Rounding out the final session was the presentation to Rachael Watson of her bronze medal from the women’s S4 50m freestyle. Watson had to wait more than 24 hours to finally get her hands on the bronze after it was caught up in a Brazilian protest overnight. 

By: Paralympics Australia
Published: 8 September 2024