GOLD No.18: Inspirational Leader Charges To Famous Win

For 18 months leading up to Paris 2024, Curtis McGrath provided the Australian Paralympic Team with outstanding leadership as co-captain with wheelchair racer Angie Ballard.  

Shortly before the Games, his and wife Rachel’s baby Monty was born with serious medical challenges. Ever-stoic, McGrath compartmentalised his duties to others against his personal ambitions and won his third-straight Paralympic gold medal in the men’s KL2 Para-canoe, sealing his place as an Australian Paralympic legend. 

“We’re just out here doing sport so it’s not actually that important, but when we’re representing people and countries and our family members it means more,” McGrath said.  

“It’s special to have this accolade and I’m just proud to represent everyone involved in this team and my performance and my life.” 

McGrath was supported by a crowd of loved ones at the venue, including family, friends and former army colleagues.  

“They were the ones carrying my stretcher and putting the tourniquets on and literally saving my life,” said McGrath, recalling the aftermath of the IED explosion in Afghanistan in which he became a bilateral leg amputee.   

“[They’re] all there and they’re a part of that journey of recovery and rehabilitation. In the traumatic moment of that blast, they were with me and they’re still here supporting me and it’s very special having them here as well.”  

By: David Sygall

Published: 28 December 2024