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PINNACLE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
THE VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT
OCTOBER 2012 | SPRING EDITION | ISSUE 87
PINNACLE Official Publication of the
VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT Lakeside Stadium, 33 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
P +61 3 9425 0000 | www.vis.org.au
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | Ashley Carr, Deirdre Boyd, Mandy Passmore, Rick Wall
Paralympic Champion Kelly Cartwright
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This edition of ‘The Pinnacle’ gives you an insight to all the
colour, movement and personal perspectives from our
athletes, coaches and staff who attended the London
Olympic and Paralympic Games.
What a Games they were; as has been widely reported
London did a magnificent job of hosting two truly memorable
events and the GB athletes stepped up with a range of
wonderful performances. Imprinted in my memory will
be the Stadium at 9am on the first day of athletics at the
Paralympics, full with 80,000 enthusiastic spectators. I extend
our congratulations to Lord Sebastian Coe and LOCOG and
to the team at UKSport.
Victorian Institute of Sport athletes also contributed with
some outstanding performances which will be highlighted
in the following pages. However in equal measure are
performances which were tinged with disappointment
played out through injury and underperformance. There
can be no doubt that the Australian team performance was
disappointing and sadly for the first time the VIS did not return
with an Olympic gold medal. From my perspective I cannot
identify one single short term factor which contributed to
this outcome, so I will be very interested in the reflections of
coaches and athletes! The one thing I do know however is
that every VIS athlete went to the Games prepared and gave
their all, sadly on some occasions this was not good enough.
The nature of our business is such that the next World
Championships are just around the corner and we are less
than two years out from the Winter Olympics and Paralympics
and 2014 Commonwealth Games. We will lift our game to
ensure that the performances of our athletes are memorable
at these benchmark events.
ANNE MARIE HARRISON CEO VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT
contents...2. Welcome
3. Contents
4. Rowing
5. Track & Field
6. Triathlon
8. Behind The Scenes
10. Paralympics
12. Beach Volleyball
13. Swimming
14. Gateway to London
15. Welcome Home
Congratulations to all of our VIS athletes and support staff for their outstanding performances both at the Olympics and Paralympics in London. Once again you’ve done Victoria and Australia proud.
No less than 33 VIS athletes featured on the Olympic and Paralympic medals dais.
Some of the standout achievements include Kelly Cartwright’s gold and new world record in the F42/44 long jump; Michael Gallagher’s come-from-behind gold in the men’s C5 4km individual cycling pursuit; and Kimberley Crow’s gutsy bronze in the single sculls and silver in the double sculls, making her the first athlete to obtain a medal in two events at the same Olympics.
This is just the tip of the iceberg with 61 VIS athletes competing at the Olympics and 14 contributing to 10 medals in six sports with three silver and seven bronze. Of the 30 VIS athletes competing at the Paralympics, 19 contributed to 16 medals across six sports with six gold, three silver and seven bronze.
The Victorian Government is proud of all of our athletes both in individual and team competitions at home and abroad.
That’s why I was delighted that Victorians had the opportunity to publicly congratulate both our Olympians and Paralympians when they returned home.
As the Olympics and Paralympics have shown, Victoria continues to be a breeding ground for top international sports talents.
The Victorian Government is proud to support the VIS, which includes our investment of over $66 million in Victoria’s new base for the VIS, Lakeside Stadium and new home of athletics.
The state of the art facility will ensure the VIS scholarship athletes, staff and innovative sports programs maintain their global edge.
There’s no doubt Victoria’s young up and coming sports stars have been inspired by our VIS champions.
Thank you VIS for your part in setting a great example for more people to get more active, more often.
I look forward to continuing our partnership with the VIS and cheering our next group of VIS champions as they strive for gold on the world stage.
HUGH DELAHUNTY MPMINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION
London did a magnificent job of hosting two truly
memorable events
2 CONTENTS 3WELCOME
Russell Ford
This edition of ‘The Pinnacle’ gives you an insight to all the
colour, movement and personal perspectives from our
athletes, coaches and staff who attended the London
Olympic and Paralympic Games.
What a Games they were; as has been widely reported
London did a magnificent job of hosting two truly memorable
events and the GB athletes stepped up with a range of
wonderful performances. Imprinted in my memory will
be the Stadium at 9am on the first day of athletics at the
Paralympics, full with 80,000 enthusiastic spectators. I extend
our congratulations to Lord Sebastian Coe and LOCOG and
to the team at UKSport.
Victorian Institute of Sport athletes also contributed with
some outstanding performances which will be highlighted
in the following pages. However in equal measure are
performances which were tinged with disappointment
played out through injury and underperformance. There
can be no doubt that the Australian team performance was
disappointing and sadly for the first time the VIS did not return
with an Olympic gold medal. From my perspective I cannot
identify one single short term factor which contributed to
this outcome, so I will be very interested in the reflections of
coaches and athletes! The one thing I do know however is
that every VIS athlete went to the Games prepared and gave
their all, sadly on some occasions this was not good enough.
The nature of our business is such that the next World
Championships are just around the corner and we are less
than two years out from the Winter Olympics and Paralympics
and 2014 Commonwealth Games. We will lift our game to
ensure that the performances of our athletes are memorable
at these benchmark events.
ANNE MARIE HARRISON CEO VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT
contents...2. Welcome
3. Contents
4. Rowing
5. Track & Field
6. Triathlon
8. Behind The Scenes
10. Paralympics
12. Beach Volleyball
13. Swimming
14. Gateway to London
15. Welcome Home
Congratulations to all of our VIS athletes and support staff for their outstanding performances both at the Olympics and Paralympics in London. Once again you’ve done Victoria and Australia proud.
No less than 33 VIS athletes featured on the Olympic and Paralympic medals dais.
Some of the standout achievements include Kelly Cartwright’s gold and new world record in the F42/44 long jump; Michael Gallagher’s come-from-behind gold in the men’s C5 4km individual cycling pursuit; and Kimberley Crow’s gutsy bronze in the single sculls and silver in the double sculls, making her the first athlete to obtain a medal in two events at the same Olympics.
This is just the tip of the iceberg with 61 VIS athletes competing at the Olympics and 14 contributing to 10 medals in six sports with three silver and seven bronze. Of the 30 VIS athletes competing at the Paralympics, 19 contributed to 16 medals across six sports with six gold, three silver and seven bronze.
The Victorian Government is proud of all of our athletes both in individual and team competitions at home and abroad.
That’s why I was delighted that Victorians had the opportunity to publicly congratulate both our Olympians and Paralympians when they returned home.
As the Olympics and Paralympics have shown, Victoria continues to be a breeding ground for top international sports talents.
The Victorian Government is proud to support the VIS, which includes our investment of over $66 million in Victoria’s new base for the VIS, Lakeside Stadium and new home of athletics.
The state of the art facility will ensure the VIS scholarship athletes, staff and innovative sports programs maintain their global edge.
There’s no doubt Victoria’s young up and coming sports stars have been inspired by our VIS champions.
Thank you VIS for your part in setting a great example for more people to get more active, more often.
I look forward to continuing our partnership with the VIS and cheering our next group of VIS champions as they strive for gold on the world stage.
HUGH DELAHUNTY MPMINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION
London did a magnificent job of hosting two truly
memorable events
2 CONTENTS 3WELCOME
Russell Ford
VIS rower Kim Crow became a leading
figure for Australia in the Olympic rowing
regatta at Eton Dorney in the London
2012 Games. Crow collected a bronze in
the women’s single scull and silver in the
women’s double scull with crew mate
Brooke Pratley. The bronze was the first
Olympic medal won by an Australian in
the women’s single scull, and Kim tells us
how she managed to break it!
“I had a little incident involving a slab of
pavement and some clumsy handiwork!
However, in retrospect, I wish I had
come up with some awesome story
about using it to play frisbee with Usain
Bolt and the Queen, but I wasn’t that
clever!
It has also been drawn to my attention,
ex post facto, that the medals come
with care instructions that specifically
command the avoidance of ‘any sort
of impact or abrasion.’ In future I will
take care to read care instructions
and intentionally avoid accidentally
impacting my medal on the ground,
particularly since (another fascinating
fact) the circular shape of the medal
is ‘a metaphor for the world.’ I HAVE
BROKEN THE WORLD!!! I have wondered
if I can weld the world back together –
which would be cool!
Anyway, I now have a bronze drink
coaster and a silver medal. Ironically,
I think I am the only person on this
planet who is NOT concerned about
this. Sure, the medal probably is a wee
bit more functional when it can be
worn, but, to be honest, the memories
I have of crossing the finish line in both
of my Olympic finals are so wonderfully
overwhelmingly special that no amount
of medal can compensate.
I love the medals for the excitement
they bring - the smiles on the faces of
kids and adults alike as they touch or
see a medal for the first time - but my
own reward is the memory. Of some
really special, fulfilling racing, and a
wonderful journey.”
‘so, i may have broken my olympic bronze medal!’ by kim crow
VIS Paralympic star Kelly Cartwright
broke the world record on her way to
claiming gold in the F42/44 long jump
with a leap of 4.38m at the London 2012
Paralympic Games. She added silver
in the F42/44 100m shortly after. Kelly
sums up her journey as a participant in
what has been hailed as the greatest
Paralympic Games ever:
“When I look back on the Paralympics
now, I just remember it being an
absolutely amazing 12 days and with a
huge amount of pride. Just being a part
of the Australian team and the success
we had was so motivating for me. I was
absolutely pumped just watching it on
TV, I couldn’t wait to get out there and
compete.
Was I nervous going into the final? Sure,
but that’s only natural. I was going into
the Games as a real gold medal hope,
so I was faced with a lot of pressure. But
as soon as the competition started, I
felt calm and relaxed because I’d been
jumping well and it was just a case of
having to keep that momentum going.
The crowd helped me no end because
the noise they made was absolutely
unbelievable. I’d like to think it added
a few centimetres to my jumps which
made a big difference, so they played
their part!
Winning a gold and silver medal at a
Paralympic Games for my country is
something that is hard to put into words.
I’m actually smiling now just thinking
about it, because it’s a once in a
lifetime opportunity. I was so proud to
represent Australia, and I am so proud
of what I achieved. The epic experience
and opportunity would not have been
possible without the help and support of
a lot of amazing people; I thank each
and every one of them.
Post-London, it is bizarre not having such
a structured day. Now, I have to plan
what I have to do with my days - it has
been difficult getting back to reality!
kelly cartwright – a dream fulfilled
Kim Crow
110804
PREPARE PERFORM PREVAIL
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equipped, more race ready and confident
knowing you’re using the world’s best
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ERIN DENSHAM London 2012 Bronze Medallist
I had a little incident involving a slab of
pavement and some clumsy handiwork
4 5TRACK & FIELDROWING
Kelly Cartwight
VIS rower Kim Crow became a leading
figure for Australia in the Olympic rowing
regatta at Eton Dorney in the London
2012 Games. Crow collected a bronze in
the women’s single scull and silver in the
women’s double scull with crew mate
Brooke Pratley. The bronze was the first
Olympic medal won by an Australian in
the women’s single scull, and Kim tells us
how she managed to break it!
“I had a little incident involving a slab of
pavement and some clumsy handiwork!
However, in retrospect, I wish I had
come up with some awesome story
about using it to play frisbee with Usain
Bolt and the Queen, but I wasn’t that
clever!
It has also been drawn to my attention,
ex post facto, that the medals come
with care instructions that specifically
command the avoidance of ‘any sort
of impact or abrasion.’ In future I will
take care to read care instructions
and intentionally avoid accidentally
impacting my medal on the ground,
particularly since (another fascinating
fact) the circular shape of the medal
is ‘a metaphor for the world.’ I HAVE
BROKEN THE WORLD!!! I have wondered
if I can weld the world back together –
which would be cool!
Anyway, I now have a bronze drink
coaster and a silver medal. Ironically,
I think I am the only person on this
planet who is NOT concerned about
this. Sure, the medal probably is a wee
bit more functional when it can be
worn, but, to be honest, the memories
I have of crossing the finish line in both
of my Olympic finals are so wonderfully
overwhelmingly special that no amount
of medal can compensate.
I love the medals for the excitement
they bring - the smiles on the faces of
kids and adults alike as they touch or
see a medal for the first time - but my
own reward is the memory. Of some
really special, fulfilling racing, and a
wonderful journey.”
‘so, i may have broken my olympic bronze medal!’ by kim crow
VIS Paralympic star Kelly Cartwright
broke the world record on her way to
claiming gold in the F42/44 long jump
with a leap of 4.38m at the London 2012
Paralympic Games. She added silver
in the F42/44 100m shortly after. Kelly
sums up her journey as a participant in
what has been hailed as the greatest
Paralympic Games ever:
“When I look back on the Paralympics
now, I just remember it being an
absolutely amazing 12 days and with a
huge amount of pride. Just being a part
of the Australian team and the success
we had was so motivating for me. I was
absolutely pumped just watching it on
TV, I couldn’t wait to get out there and
compete.
Was I nervous going into the final? Sure,
but that’s only natural. I was going into
the Games as a real gold medal hope,
so I was faced with a lot of pressure. But
as soon as the competition started, I
felt calm and relaxed because I’d been
jumping well and it was just a case of
having to keep that momentum going.
The crowd helped me no end because
the noise they made was absolutely
unbelievable. I’d like to think it added
a few centimetres to my jumps which
made a big difference, so they played
their part!
Winning a gold and silver medal at a
Paralympic Games for my country is
something that is hard to put into words.
I’m actually smiling now just thinking
about it, because it’s a once in a
lifetime opportunity. I was so proud to
represent Australia, and I am so proud
of what I achieved. The epic experience
and opportunity would not have been
possible without the help and support of
a lot of amazing people; I thank each
and every one of them.
Post-London, it is bizarre not having such
a structured day. Now, I have to plan
what I have to do with my days - it has
been difficult getting back to reality!
kelly cartwright – a dream fulfilled
Kim Crow
110804
PREPARE PERFORM PREVAIL
REFRESH, XFORM and PERFORM. Utilising all
new PWX® fabric technology you’ll feel better
equipped, more race ready and confident
knowing you’re using the world’s best
performance sports compression wear.
ERIN DENSHAM London 2012 Bronze Medallist
I had a little incident involving a slab of
pavement and some clumsy handiwork
4 5TRACK & FIELDROWING
Kelly Cartwight
she could not run for four months at
the end of 2010, followed by a stress
reaction in her tibia which put her out of
all major races at the end of 2011. Throw
in a change of coach, and her partner
moving overseas seven months before
the Olympics which she had to re-adjust
to as well.
With results in all major races during
the four year Olympic period coming
into consideration for Olympic team
selection, it meant that Erin had to win
or at the very least podium in every race
early in 2012 to prove her selection to the
Triathlon Australia Selection Committee.
With the quality of the international
women’s field being as strong as ever,
it was a big ask for any athlete to
come out and podium in one race,
let alone multiple races. However,
the determination of Erin to make
the Olympic team and prove the
doubters wrong was what inspired
the performances that wowed the
international triathlon community. Her
blistering run performances to take
first position in both the Mooloolaba
World Cup and Sydney World Triathlon
Series race showed the world, and the
Australian team selectors, that Erin was a
force to be reckoned with. She was able
to back up these performances with a
second place in the San Diego World
Triathlon Series race. While everyone
believed that Erin could not possibly be
overlooked for the Olympics, she still
had a nervous month’s wait before she
knew of her Olympic fate.
After receiving the news of making the
2012 Australian Olympic Triathlon Team
along with VIS training partner Brendan
Sexton, all focus was on getting to
the starting line in London in the best
condition possible. Erin based herself
in Spain for the Australian winter and
raced at the Banyoles World Cup (2nd)
and Hamburg World Triathlon Series race
(1st) as lead up events in preparation
for London. She then joined the rest of
her team mates at the Australian team
camp in Aix les Bains, France prior to
entering London.
An enormous crowd had gathered
for the Women’s Triathlon at Hyde
Park yet little did anyone know the
drama that occurred prior to the race.
After warming up on her bike and
wheeling it in to transition, by chance
Erin happened to rub down her tyre
to remove some dirt before heading
back to the athlete lounge. It was then
that she realised she had a puncture.
Luckily we were able to change over
her tyre prior to the race commencing
as this could have been a disastrous
start to the bike leg had Erin not noticed
beforehand.
A blistering pace was set in the swim leg,
and then there was carnage on the bike
leg with many girls falling victim to the
wet, slippery roads. With Erin escaping
all the falls, she then set off on the run in
the lead pack of eight.
She did most of the work from the front
of the pack continually surging to try
and break her competitors; this had
been her strength all season. One by
one her competitors fell off the back of
the pack unable to keep up with the
pace Erin was setting. We knew she
had to try and get rid of her two major
competitors, Nicola Spirig and Lisa
Norden, before the finish as if it came
down to a sprint they were going to be
hard to beat.
Erin threw everything she had on the
day at them but unfortunately couldn’t
shake them and finished in third position
in what was one of the best triathlon
races in the history of the sport.
Erin Densham has always displayed her
willingness to fight; she fought for her
health, fought hard for her spot on the
Olympic team and fought tooth and
nail for Olympic success in London.
To come home with a bronze medal
at the pinnacle of elite competition
is a testament to her courage and
determination.
To see her standing on the podium with
a bronze medal was an extremely proud
moment for Erin, everyone involved with
her preparation over the years, and all
her supporters both in London and back
in Australia.
For many athletes, the road to the
Olympics is never an easy journey. There
are many obstacles and challenges
thrown in their path which can make
or break the athlete. Erin Densham’s
journey is one that would have broken
many people, but for Erin it just made
her Olympic success all that sweeter.
Danielle Stefano, Olympic triathlon
coach, tells us more:
After competing at her debut Olympics
in Beijing, Erin had a rollercoaster ride
for her next three years where triathlon
took a back seat as her health became
the biggest battle for her to overcome.
She had glandular fever that knocked
her around for months, and then
started to suffer from a heart condition
– supra ventricular tachycardia –
which accelerated her heart rate. This
condition resulted in Erin having to
be rescued from the water mid-race
and stopped her from training. Her
confidence was low as she was always
concerned about when she may have
another ‘attack’. The only answer was
heart surgery to rectify this problem in
December 2009.
Having successfully recovered from
the surgery, Erin then suffered from
hamstring tendinopathy which meant
the long road is the only road to success
Erin Densham
Ahmed Kelly
To come home with a bronze medal
at the pinnacle of elite competition is a testament to her courage and determination
Erin Densham
Danielle Stefano
& Erin Densham6 7TRIATHLONTRIATHLON
she could not run for four months at
the end of 2010, followed by a stress
reaction in her tibia which put her out of
all major races at the end of 2011. Throw
in a change of coach, and her partner
moving overseas seven months before
the Olympics which she had to re-adjust
to as well.
With results in all major races during
the four year Olympic period coming
into consideration for Olympic team
selection, it meant that Erin had to win
or at the very least podium in every race
early in 2012 to prove her selection to the
Triathlon Australia Selection Committee.
With the quality of the international
women’s field being as strong as ever,
it was a big ask for any athlete to
come out and podium in one race,
let alone multiple races. However,
the determination of Erin to make
the Olympic team and prove the
doubters wrong was what inspired
the performances that wowed the
international triathlon community. Her
blistering run performances to take
first position in both the Mooloolaba
World Cup and Sydney World Triathlon
Series race showed the world, and the
Australian team selectors, that Erin was a
force to be reckoned with. She was able
to back up these performances with a
second place in the San Diego World
Triathlon Series race. While everyone
believed that Erin could not possibly be
overlooked for the Olympics, she still
had a nervous month’s wait before she
knew of her Olympic fate.
After receiving the news of making the
2012 Australian Olympic Triathlon Team
along with VIS training partner Brendan
Sexton, all focus was on getting to
the starting line in London in the best
condition possible. Erin based herself
in Spain for the Australian winter and
raced at the Banyoles World Cup (2nd)
and Hamburg World Triathlon Series race
(1st) as lead up events in preparation
for London. She then joined the rest of
her team mates at the Australian team
camp in Aix les Bains, France prior to
entering London.
An enormous crowd had gathered
for the Women’s Triathlon at Hyde
Park yet little did anyone know the
drama that occurred prior to the race.
After warming up on her bike and
wheeling it in to transition, by chance
Erin happened to rub down her tyre
to remove some dirt before heading
back to the athlete lounge. It was then
that she realised she had a puncture.
Luckily we were able to change over
her tyre prior to the race commencing
as this could have been a disastrous
start to the bike leg had Erin not noticed
beforehand.
A blistering pace was set in the swim leg,
and then there was carnage on the bike
leg with many girls falling victim to the
wet, slippery roads. With Erin escaping
all the falls, she then set off on the run in
the lead pack of eight.
She did most of the work from the front
of the pack continually surging to try
and break her competitors; this had
been her strength all season. One by
one her competitors fell off the back of
the pack unable to keep up with the
pace Erin was setting. We knew she
had to try and get rid of her two major
competitors, Nicola Spirig and Lisa
Norden, before the finish as if it came
down to a sprint they were going to be
hard to beat.
Erin threw everything she had on the
day at them but unfortunately couldn’t
shake them and finished in third position
in what was one of the best triathlon
races in the history of the sport.
Erin Densham has always displayed her
willingness to fight; she fought for her
health, fought hard for her spot on the
Olympic team and fought tooth and
nail for Olympic success in London.
To come home with a bronze medal
at the pinnacle of elite competition
is a testament to her courage and
determination.
To see her standing on the podium with
a bronze medal was an extremely proud
moment for Erin, everyone involved with
her preparation over the years, and all
her supporters both in London and back
in Australia.
For many athletes, the road to the
Olympics is never an easy journey. There
are many obstacles and challenges
thrown in their path which can make
or break the athlete. Erin Densham’s
journey is one that would have broken
many people, but for Erin it just made
her Olympic success all that sweeter.
Danielle Stefano, Olympic triathlon
coach, tells us more:
After competing at her debut Olympics
in Beijing, Erin had a rollercoaster ride
for her next three years where triathlon
took a back seat as her health became
the biggest battle for her to overcome.
She had glandular fever that knocked
her around for months, and then
started to suffer from a heart condition
– supra ventricular tachycardia –
which accelerated her heart rate. This
condition resulted in Erin having to
be rescued from the water mid-race
and stopped her from training. Her
confidence was low as she was always
concerned about when she may have
another ‘attack’. The only answer was
heart surgery to rectify this problem in
December 2009.
Having successfully recovered from
the surgery, Erin then suffered from
hamstring tendinopathy which meant
the long road is the only road to success
Erin Densham
Ahmed Kelly
To come home with a bronze medal
at the pinnacle of elite competition is a testament to her courage and determination
Erin Densham
Danielle Stefano
& Erin Densham6 7TRIATHLONTRIATHLON
gallery
8 BEHIND THE SCENESBEHIND THE SCENES 9
gallery
8 BEHIND THE SCENESBEHIND THE SCENES 9
It is really hard to describe how much
the London 2012 Paralympic Games
really meant to us as athletes with a
disability.
Since its inception nearly 50 years ago,
the Paralympics has always been seen
as the little brother of the Olympics, a
sideshow to the glory of the two week
Olympic period which precedes it.
However, after London, this is no more.
Sell-out crowds at every event, millions
of television viewers around the world,
having to stop for autographs every
time we went into the shopping mall -
London put on an incredible show for
the 2012 Paralympic Games.
I can’t begin to tell you how amazing
the feeling is to be finally recognised in
the public’s eye as the elite athlete with
a disability that I really am. People can
now share and enjoy the spectacle and
skill of Paralympic sport like they never
have before, and I am so glad and
proud that I could be a part of it.
And if you thought London was good,
just you wait till Rio..!
VIS Para-cyclist Carol Cooke, who came agonisingly close to making the 1980 Canadian Olympic team in swimming before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, competed in her first Paralympic Games in London for Australia.
Sports fanatic, workaholic, former undercover police officer and multiple sclerosis advocate, Cooke is one of the most inspirational figures in Australian sport. She talks about her Paralympic experience below:
“When I arrived at the Paralympic village my feelings were all over the place. This dream had taken me 35 years, two countries and three sports, to attain. I experienced everything you can imagine all in one; excitement, apprehension, amazement, fear, enthusiasm, elation and so much more! I hadn’t really felt like part of the team not being in Wales and coming into the
village after the Games had started. But it didn’t take long to feel like I belonged!
My views on disability really changed and I came to realise that I never have anything to ever complain about again. The number of really devastating disabilities were very “in your face” but those people were always smiling! I found that athletes were so happy for each other no matter what country they were from, congratulating one another constantly and meaning it. The British public were amazing and cheering on every single athlete and loudly!
To then win gold was the proverbial “icing on the cake” and to share it with family who had come to watch was even better. Funny thing is that my medal was presented by Patrick Jarvis a member of the IPC, who just so happens to be Canadian. So I felt that I had come full circle…a Canadian, racing
and representing Australia whose medal was presented by a Canadian. Sounds weird but it was fitting!”
Carol took gold in the mixed T1-2 time-trial event, finishing in a time of 13 min 50.54 sec, ahead of Germany’s Hans-Peter Durst (14:11.95) and Great Britain’s David Stone (14:25.66).
Australia’s wheelchair rugby team,
the ‘Steelers’, took the London 2012
Paralympic title with a 66-51 win over
Canada in the gold medal match. The
result brought Australia the Paralympic
title for the first time, after silver medal
performances behind the United States
at Beijing in 2008 and Sydney in 2000.
Former player turned Head Coach
Brad Dubberley, a quadriplegic since
12 years old after he fell 50m down a
cliff, talks about his experiences at the
London 2012 Paralympic Games:
“Our Australian Wheelchair Rugby Team
had a great lead in and preparation for
the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
On the back of some solid team
performances at lead up competitions
and training camps, we were looking
and feeling sharp, relaxed, confident
and prepared for a successful
Paralympic campaign.
Before the wheelchair rugby
competition even started, there
were some huge highlights and
accomplishments for some of our
athletes and our team. At the scenic
venue of Cardiff Castle, VIS athlete
Greg Smith was named the Australian
flag bearer for the Paralympic Games
Opening Ceremony, while fellow VIS
athlete Naz Erdem participated in the
Paralympic torch relay in Cardiff.
After Cardiff, we arrived in London and
soon settled into village life. Prior to our
event starting, we got into training and
went to other events to support our
fellow Australians competing.
Our competition was held at the
Basketball Arena, in front of 10,000
spectators for every game. In a
Paralympics filled with highlights for
our team, we went on to win the gold
medal in dominating form. We played
against Canada, Sweden, Belgium,
Japan and then Canada again in
the gold medal match. Everyone
contributed in every game and we
reached our goal of winning every
quarter and the gold medal.”
my paralympic experience by carol cooke
golden campaign for aussie steelers
We went on to win the gold medal in dominating form
The Australian women’s national wheelchair basketball team, known as the Gliders, ended their London 2012 Paralympic campaign with a silver medal. The gallant Gliders lost to Germany, 44–58 in front of a capacity crowd of 12,985 at the North Greenwich Arena.
VIS athlete Leanne Del Toso made her Paralympic debut in London. She talks about her experience below:
“When I think of my experience at the 2012 London Paralympics, I can’t help but smile and get taken away with the memories of an unforgettable journey. I left Australia as a first time Paralympian
and came home a silver medallist. The moments in between were the greatest of my life.
My favourite memories were the moments before heading into the stadiums. Whether it be for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies or before each of our games, just knowing that the whole of Australia wanted to see your face and the roar of the crowd just blew my mind. The Gliders had a powerhouse of proud supporters and seeing the swarm of green and gold in the crowd was extraordinary.
My proudest moment was receiving my silver medal. It was the result of five
years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. While the team was hoping for gold, you can’t take away the hard work each and every Glider had put in to being the very best they can be. Seeing my family after the ceremony completed the journey. I had made everyone proud. Looking ahead, Rio seems very far away and the decision to continue is uncertain however, the road and journey to success is infectious and one that I would love to be a part of again!”
‘first time paralympian, forever a silver medallist’ by leanne del toso
‘bravo london, bravo’ by dylan alcott
the road and journey to success
is infectious
Dylan Alcott & Ashleigh Brennan
Carol Cooke and Patrick Jarvis, IPC
10 PARALYMPICS 11PARALYMPICS
The Aussie Steelers
It is really hard to describe how much
the London 2012 Paralympic Games
really meant to us as athletes with a
disability.
Since its inception nearly 50 years ago,
the Paralympics has always been seen
as the little brother of the Olympics, a
sideshow to the glory of the two week
Olympic period which precedes it.
However, after London, this is no more.
Sell-out crowds at every event, millions
of television viewers around the world,
having to stop for autographs every
time we went into the shopping mall -
London put on an incredible show for
the 2012 Paralympic Games.
I can’t begin to tell you how amazing
the feeling is to be finally recognised in
the public’s eye as the elite athlete with
a disability that I really am. People can
now share and enjoy the spectacle and
skill of Paralympic sport like they never
have before, and I am so glad and
proud that I could be a part of it.
And if you thought London was good,
just you wait till Rio..!
VIS Para-cyclist Carol Cooke, who came agonisingly close to making the 1980 Canadian Olympic team in swimming before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, competed in her first Paralympic Games in London for Australia.
Sports fanatic, workaholic, former undercover police officer and multiple sclerosis advocate, Cooke is one of the most inspirational figures in Australian sport. She talks about her Paralympic experience below:
“When I arrived at the Paralympic village my feelings were all over the place. This dream had taken me 35 years, two countries and three sports, to attain. I experienced everything you can imagine all in one; excitement, apprehension, amazement, fear, enthusiasm, elation and so much more! I hadn’t really felt like part of the team not being in Wales and coming into the
village after the Games had started. But it didn’t take long to feel like I belonged!
My views on disability really changed and I came to realise that I never have anything to ever complain about again. The number of really devastating disabilities were very “in your face” but those people were always smiling! I found that athletes were so happy for each other no matter what country they were from, congratulating one another constantly and meaning it. The British public were amazing and cheering on every single athlete and loudly!
To then win gold was the proverbial “icing on the cake” and to share it with family who had come to watch was even better. Funny thing is that my medal was presented by Patrick Jarvis a member of the IPC, who just so happens to be Canadian. So I felt that I had come full circle…a Canadian, racing
and representing Australia whose medal was presented by a Canadian. Sounds weird but it was fitting!”
Carol took gold in the mixed T1-2 time-trial event, finishing in a time of 13 min 50.54 sec, ahead of Germany’s Hans-Peter Durst (14:11.95) and Great Britain’s David Stone (14:25.66).
Australia’s wheelchair rugby team,
the ‘Steelers’, took the London 2012
Paralympic title with a 66-51 win over
Canada in the gold medal match. The
result brought Australia the Paralympic
title for the first time, after silver medal
performances behind the United States
at Beijing in 2008 and Sydney in 2000.
Former player turned Head Coach
Brad Dubberley, a quadriplegic since
12 years old after he fell 50m down a
cliff, talks about his experiences at the
London 2012 Paralympic Games:
“Our Australian Wheelchair Rugby Team
had a great lead in and preparation for
the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
On the back of some solid team
performances at lead up competitions
and training camps, we were looking
and feeling sharp, relaxed, confident
and prepared for a successful
Paralympic campaign.
Before the wheelchair rugby
competition even started, there
were some huge highlights and
accomplishments for some of our
athletes and our team. At the scenic
venue of Cardiff Castle, VIS athlete
Greg Smith was named the Australian
flag bearer for the Paralympic Games
Opening Ceremony, while fellow VIS
athlete Naz Erdem participated in the
Paralympic torch relay in Cardiff.
After Cardiff, we arrived in London and
soon settled into village life. Prior to our
event starting, we got into training and
went to other events to support our
fellow Australians competing.
Our competition was held at the
Basketball Arena, in front of 10,000
spectators for every game. In a
Paralympics filled with highlights for
our team, we went on to win the gold
medal in dominating form. We played
against Canada, Sweden, Belgium,
Japan and then Canada again in
the gold medal match. Everyone
contributed in every game and we
reached our goal of winning every
quarter and the gold medal.”
my paralympic experience by carol cooke
golden campaign for aussie steelers
We went on to win the gold medal in dominating form
The Australian women’s national wheelchair basketball team, known as the Gliders, ended their London 2012 Paralympic campaign with a silver medal. The gallant Gliders lost to Germany, 44–58 in front of a capacity crowd of 12,985 at the North Greenwich Arena.
VIS athlete Leanne Del Toso made her Paralympic debut in London. She talks about her experience below:
“When I think of my experience at the 2012 London Paralympics, I can’t help but smile and get taken away with the memories of an unforgettable journey. I left Australia as a first time Paralympian
and came home a silver medallist. The moments in between were the greatest of my life.
My favourite memories were the moments before heading into the stadiums. Whether it be for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies or before each of our games, just knowing that the whole of Australia wanted to see your face and the roar of the crowd just blew my mind. The Gliders had a powerhouse of proud supporters and seeing the swarm of green and gold in the crowd was extraordinary.
My proudest moment was receiving my silver medal. It was the result of five
years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. While the team was hoping for gold, you can’t take away the hard work each and every Glider had put in to being the very best they can be. Seeing my family after the ceremony completed the journey. I had made everyone proud. Looking ahead, Rio seems very far away and the decision to continue is uncertain however, the road and journey to success is infectious and one that I would love to be a part of again!”
‘first time paralympian, forever a silver medallist’ by leanne del toso
‘bravo london, bravo’ by dylan alcott
the road and journey to success
is infectious
Dylan Alcott & Ashleigh Brennan
Carol Cooke and Patrick Jarvis, IPC
10 PARALYMPICS 11PARALYMPICS
The Aussie Steelers
Matson Lawson’s selection to the
London 2012 Olympic Team was his
first Australian team representation at
junior or senior level, a truly remarkable
achievement. The VIS swimmer put in
a tough performance in his Olympic
debut, narrowly missing the semi-
finals of the men’s 200m backstroke .
He speaks with Marketing and Media
Coordinator, Ashley Carr:
Did your first Olympics Games live up to your expectations?
Being an athlete involved in the London
2012 Olympic Games was an amazing
experience and opportunity. My
experiences in London, in and around
the athlete village, in the pool and out
and about in London definitely lived up
to the hype and my wildest imagination.
What ‘wowed’ you the most?
I was totally stunned when I saw people
that I look up to and admire. It was
crazy seeing Usain Bolt, the USA Dream
team, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps
all walking around in the same village
that I was living in!
How did you settle your nerves?
I find that the best way to settle my nerves
is to listen to music. Reading a book is also
a good way to chill out and playing cards
with the boys both help to keep me calm.
The boys on the swim team definitely
helped me stay down to earth and not
get overwhelmed by the occasion.
Tell us about village life?
Life in the athlete village was amazing -
it was like living in an awesome bubble
for two weeks! Anything and everything
that I could ever want was right there…
and totally free! I had so many fun times
and I have so many memories that will
stay with me forever.
In what way did the London Games inspire you?
Walking out onto the pool deck in the
aquatic centre was one of the most
exhilarating moments of my life. Having
the opportunity to race in front of so
many people makes me want to do it
all again. So I just have to keep training
hard and keep focussed on Rio in four
years’ time.
lawson looks to grow after olympic debut
I never thought I would get the
opportunity to play beach volleyball
in the Queen’s back yard! But it
happened and I’ve got the bikini to
prove it! Located in central London,
Horse Guards Parade provided an
iconic location for the London 2012
Beach Volleyball competition.
The 11pm matches at Horse Guards
Parade were electric as they brought
with them the added ‘bonus’ of
an extremely rowdy audience. As
my partner Nat Cook and I walked
from our warm up courts to the main
stadium, we witnessed amazing feats
of determination with men clutching
as many cups of beer as physically
possible to take them to their seats.
Despite all of the noise and activity I
still managed to spot my family in the
crowd and felt safe and supported
knowing they were there.
We met the reigning Olympic
champions from the USA in our first
match. We battled hard in a tight first
set which was locked at 18-18 late in the
proceedings, before the American pair
reeled off three straight points to clinch
a tense opener. Our loss to them set
them on their path to go undefeated to
their third Olympic Gold medal.
London was not our best tournament in
terms of performance and there were
a lot of distractions that had their own
challenges, but I am still really proud of
what I have achieved over the past three
years and that I got to take my family,
including my young son, to London with
me for my third Olympic Games.
‘playing beach volleyball in the queen’s back yard’ by tamsin hinchley
I have so many memories that will stay with me forever
Tamsin Hinchley & Family
Matson & Penny Lawson
12 13SWIMMINGBEACH VOLLEYBALL
Matson Lawson’s selection to the
London 2012 Olympic Team was his
first Australian team representation at
junior or senior level, a truly remarkable
achievement. The VIS swimmer put in
a tough performance in his Olympic
debut, narrowly missing the semi-
finals of the men’s 200m backstroke .
He speaks with Marketing and Media
Coordinator, Ashley Carr:
Did your first Olympics Games live up to your expectations?
Being an athlete involved in the London
2012 Olympic Games was an amazing
experience and opportunity. My
experiences in London, in and around
the athlete village, in the pool and out
and about in London definitely lived up
to the hype and my wildest imagination.
What ‘wowed’ you the most?
I was totally stunned when I saw people
that I look up to and admire. It was
crazy seeing Usain Bolt, the USA Dream
team, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps
all walking around in the same village
that I was living in!
How did you settle your nerves?
I find that the best way to settle my nerves
is to listen to music. Reading a book is also
a good way to chill out and playing cards
with the boys both help to keep me calm.
The boys on the swim team definitely
helped me stay down to earth and not
get overwhelmed by the occasion.
Tell us about village life?
Life in the athlete village was amazing -
it was like living in an awesome bubble
for two weeks! Anything and everything
that I could ever want was right there…
and totally free! I had so many fun times
and I have so many memories that will
stay with me forever.
In what way did the London Games inspire you?
Walking out onto the pool deck in the
aquatic centre was one of the most
exhilarating moments of my life. Having
the opportunity to race in front of so
many people makes me want to do it
all again. So I just have to keep training
hard and keep focussed on Rio in four
years’ time.
lawson looks to grow after olympic debut
I never thought I would get the
opportunity to play beach volleyball
in the Queen’s back yard! But it
happened and I’ve got the bikini to
prove it! Located in central London,
Horse Guards Parade provided an
iconic location for the London 2012
Beach Volleyball competition.
The 11pm matches at Horse Guards
Parade were electric as they brought
with them the added ‘bonus’ of
an extremely rowdy audience. As
my partner Nat Cook and I walked
from our warm up courts to the main
stadium, we witnessed amazing feats
of determination with men clutching
as many cups of beer as physically
possible to take them to their seats.
Despite all of the noise and activity I
still managed to spot my family in the
crowd and felt safe and supported
knowing they were there.
We met the reigning Olympic
champions from the USA in our first
match. We battled hard in a tight first
set which was locked at 18-18 late in the
proceedings, before the American pair
reeled off three straight points to clinch
a tense opener. Our loss to them set
them on their path to go undefeated to
their third Olympic Gold medal.
London was not our best tournament in
terms of performance and there were
a lot of distractions that had their own
challenges, but I am still really proud of
what I have achieved over the past three
years and that I got to take my family,
including my young son, to London with
me for my third Olympic Games.
‘playing beach volleyball in the queen’s back yard’ by tamsin hinchley
I have so many memories that will stay with me forever
Tamsin Hinchley & Family
Matson & Penny Lawson
12 13SWIMMINGBEACH VOLLEYBALL
The Victorian Institute of Sport’s London
2012 Olympians and Paralympians were
congratulated and celebrated at an
exclusive cocktail event at the VIS on
Thursday, 20 September.
Approximately 30 of the 91 athletes who
competed at both Games attended
the event, including members of the
gold medal winning wheelchair rugby
team, silver medal winning Olympic
rowing pair Sarah Tait and Kate Hornsey,
water polo bronze medallist Rowie
Webster and Paralympic track and field
star Kelly Cartwright.
Cartwright, who won the gold medal
in the F42/44 long jump with a World
Record leap before taking silver in the
F42/44 100m, was in a happy mood
while displaying both of her medals.
She used the opportunity to show
the VIS her appreciation. ‘It’s like a
second home! The support that I have
received from the VIS and my coach
Tim Matthews has been so incredible; I
really appreciate everything.’
Mr Brad Battin MP, Member for
Gembrook eloquently praised the
dedication of the athletes who
devoted years of time and effort to their
training to achieve their Olympic and
Paralympic aims.
VIS CEO Anne Marie Harrison also
congratulated the athletes on their
performances in London. ‘I am
extremely proud of our athletes’ efforts
in London; they represented themselves,
their teams and their country with great
distinction on the world stage’.
The celebration, hosted by Paralympic
legend Don Elgin, provided the
opportunity for VIS staff, stakeholders
and sponsors to honour the London
2012 athletes for their contribution, their
sacrifice and commitment and, above
all, the inspiration they have provided.
Congratulations to all athletes, coaches
and support staff involved in the London
2012 Games and thank you to RICOH for
their contribution to the evening.
The VIS was fortunate to receive
sponsorship from Coles to deliver a
behind the scenes digital campaign
for VIS TV and the Coles Olympic
website. The concept was to film
and photograph Aussie athletes
(predominantly VIS) and their coaches
and families and get ‘real’ stories; the
stuff that the general media doesn’t
have easy access to.
With swimming first up on the schedule
and a fantastic vibe around a
beautifully spit and polished London, I
was excited to get amongst it all. My
excitement soon became frustration
with the Aussies not doing as well as
anticipated, and subsequently being
unfairly slammed in the media at home.
The last thing anyone associated with
swimming wanted to do was chat on
camera about what was going on
behind the scenes.
To lighten things up, I packed the big
red Coles ‘down-down, prices are
down’ hands into my bag (yes I did!)
and set off chasing people wearing
green and gold in the hope that they
might have their photo taken with the
‘down-downs’, or better (or worse?) still,
actually sing the jingle!
As Olympic events came and went,
more athletes, their families and
coaches were around to chat to. The
enormous Westfield shopping centre,
strategically positioned at the entrance
to both Olympic Park and the Aquatics
Centre, proved to be the place to be. I
still laugh at the total stalk-factor – me,
my handycam and VIS TV microphone
at the ready, hunting down Aussies
in green and gold or carrying the
Australian flag.
Thankfully, us Aussies can be a patriotic
bunch and I soon stalked, I mean
discovered, members of athletes’
families dressed head to toe in Aussie
colours and even a dress made from
an Australian flag (thanks to hockey
player, Jade Close’s sister)! Coaches
I interviewed were proud, parents
ecstatic and most athletes on an
emotional high, which all made
for interesting episodes for VIS TV.
Apologies to all who thought I was a
complete weirdo...
When it came time to relax, Melbourne
company, Sportius International Events
had commissioned a cruise ship on
the River Thames for the duration of
the Games. The VIS was given the
opportunity to have access to the ship
for lunches, dinners and other events,
which enabled some of our athletes,
their friends and families, time to relax
and enjoy Sportius’ hospitality in a safe
environment away from the media. The
athletes were extremely grateful and
some went to great lengths to ensure
the other guests on the ship enjoyed the
experience.
In summary, Londoners are scratching
their heads wondering who Coles is and
what’s with the ‘resurgence’ of Status
Quo’s ‘Deeper Down’ on the iTunes
charts; security staff scouring CCTV
from the Westfield Shopping Centre
are pleased no arrests were made for
stalking, Dale Stevenson can do the
splits and London did a fantastic job
staging the biggest sporting event in the
world!
all hail the heroes of 2012! coles gateway to london 2012 olympic gamesby mandy passmore
Coaches were proud, parents
ecstatic and athletes on an emotional high - which all made for interesting episodes
of VIS TV
Bobby get ting ‘down’
14 GATEWAY TO LONDON 15WELCOME HOME
The Victorian Institute of Sport’s London
2012 Olympians and Paralympians were
congratulated and celebrated at an
exclusive cocktail event at the VIS on
Thursday, 20 September.
Approximately 30 of the 91 athletes who
competed at both Games attended
the event, including members of the
gold medal winning wheelchair rugby
team, silver medal winning Olympic
rowing pair Sarah Tait and Kate Hornsey,
water polo bronze medallist Rowie
Webster and Paralympic track and field
star Kelly Cartwright.
Cartwright, who won the gold medal
in the F42/44 long jump with a World
Record leap before taking silver in the
F42/44 100m, was in a happy mood
while displaying both of her medals.
She used the opportunity to show
the VIS her appreciation. ‘It’s like a
second home! The support that I have
received from the VIS and my coach
Tim Matthews has been so incredible; I
really appreciate everything.’
Mr Brad Battin MP, Member for
Gembrook eloquently praised the
dedication of the athletes who
devoted years of time and effort to their
training to achieve their Olympic and
Paralympic aims.
VIS CEO Anne Marie Harrison also
congratulated the athletes on their
performances in London. ‘I am
extremely proud of our athletes’ efforts
in London; they represented themselves,
their teams and their country with great
distinction on the world stage’.
The celebration, hosted by Paralympic
legend Don Elgin, provided the
opportunity for VIS staff, stakeholders
and sponsors to honour the London
2012 athletes for their contribution, their
sacrifice and commitment and, above
all, the inspiration they have provided.
Congratulations to all athletes, coaches
and support staff involved in the London
2012 Games and thank you to RICOH for
their contribution to the evening.
The VIS was fortunate to receive
sponsorship from Coles to deliver a
behind the scenes digital campaign
for VIS TV and the Coles Olympic
website. The concept was to film
and photograph Aussie athletes
(predominantly VIS) and their coaches
and families and get ‘real’ stories; the
stuff that the general media doesn’t
have easy access to.
With swimming first up on the schedule
and a fantastic vibe around a
beautifully spit and polished London, I
was excited to get amongst it all. My
excitement soon became frustration
with the Aussies not doing as well as
anticipated, and subsequently being
unfairly slammed in the media at home.
The last thing anyone associated with
swimming wanted to do was chat on
camera about what was going on
behind the scenes.
To lighten things up, I packed the big
red Coles ‘down-down, prices are
down’ hands into my bag (yes I did!)
and set off chasing people wearing
green and gold in the hope that they
might have their photo taken with the
‘down-downs’, or better (or worse?) still,
actually sing the jingle!
As Olympic events came and went,
more athletes, their families and
coaches were around to chat to. The
enormous Westfield shopping centre,
strategically positioned at the entrance
to both Olympic Park and the Aquatics
Centre, proved to be the place to be. I
still laugh at the total stalk-factor – me,
my handycam and VIS TV microphone
at the ready, hunting down Aussies
in green and gold or carrying the
Australian flag.
Thankfully, us Aussies can be a patriotic
bunch and I soon stalked, I mean
discovered, members of athletes’
families dressed head to toe in Aussie
colours and even a dress made from
an Australian flag (thanks to hockey
player, Jade Close’s sister)! Coaches
I interviewed were proud, parents
ecstatic and most athletes on an
emotional high, which all made
for interesting episodes for VIS TV.
Apologies to all who thought I was a
complete weirdo...
When it came time to relax, Melbourne
company, Sportius International Events
had commissioned a cruise ship on
the River Thames for the duration of
the Games. The VIS was given the
opportunity to have access to the ship
for lunches, dinners and other events,
which enabled some of our athletes,
their friends and families, time to relax
and enjoy Sportius’ hospitality in a safe
environment away from the media. The
athletes were extremely grateful and
some went to great lengths to ensure
the other guests on the ship enjoyed the
experience.
In summary, Londoners are scratching
their heads wondering who Coles is and
what’s with the ‘resurgence’ of Status
Quo’s ‘Deeper Down’ on the iTunes
charts; security staff scouring CCTV
from the Westfield Shopping Centre
are pleased no arrests were made for
stalking, Dale Stevenson can do the
splits and London did a fantastic job
staging the biggest sporting event in the
world!
all hail the heroes of 2012! coles gateway to london 2012 olympic gamesby mandy passmore
Coaches were proud, parents
ecstatic and athletes on an emotional high - which all made for interesting episodes
of VIS TV
Bobby get ting ‘down’
14 GATEWAY TO LONDON 15WELCOME HOME
Design by the Adcell Group - www.adcellgroup.com.au
PINNACLE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
THE VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT
OCTOBER 2012 | SPRING EDITION | ISSUE 87
PINNACLE Official Publication of the
VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT Lakeside Stadium, 33 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
P +61 3 9425 0000 | www.vis.org.au
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | Ashley Carr, Deirdre Boyd, Mandy Passmore, Rick Wall
Paralympic Champion Kelly Cartwright
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