Para-swimming
Jack Ireland dreams of the day he represents Australia at the Paralympic Games, and after making his international debut last September, that dream has never felt so close from becoming a reality.
Read MoreJack has been swimming competitively for over a decade, first in his hometown of Newcastle, NSW, before relocating at 13 to train under the University of Queensland’s David Heyden.
Together, the duo has honed Jack’s craft, and after a bronze medal in the men’s 200m freestyle at the 2019 Australian Swimming Championships, as well as top 10 placings in five events across four disciplines, Jack finally received the call.
The call that had seen 303 Australians before him go on to compete on the world stage.
That stage would be the 2019 World Para-swimming Championships in London, England, where Jack joined Australian teammates Liam Schluter and Ricky Betar in the men’s 200m freestyle S14 final, placing eighth.
It was a stellar showing by the young debutant, and one he’s since eclipsed.
Taking home a silver medal from the 2022 World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira, as well as a bronze and silver the following year in the Mixed 4 × 100 m freestyle relay S14 and the Men’s 200 m Freestyle S14.
While it was tough missing out on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics squad, Jack has taken it all in his stride, working on his physical and mental fitness – he’s ready to represent Australia on the world’s biggest stage.
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