Sixteen South Aussie athletes are ready to represent the country on the world stage, as the 2024 Paralympic Games gets underway tonight in Paris.
Our inspiring South Aussies will be among 4,400 athletes from 168 nations around the world competing in 549 medal events.
Each of the selected Paralympians is either a South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) scholarship holder or graduate, who has been supported by SASI’s funding programs, high-performance services, and daily training environments.
SA athletes will be aiming to bring home medals from Paris across seven different sports:
- Para-Athletics – Michael Roeger will become a five-time Paralympian, racing in the T46 1500m, while Angus Hincksman will be making his Paralympic debut in the T38 1500m after announcing himself as one to watch in the global Para-athletics ranks. Following his Paris Olympic campaign, Matthew Clarke will act as a guide runner in the T13 5000m.
- Para-Cycling – Amanda Reid and Darren Hicks headline the powerful squad as reigning Paralympic champions while Meg Lemon will also be bringing her experience when she returns for her second Games. Caitlin Ward (pilot) will make her Paralympic debut.
- Para-Rowing – World champions Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers will enter the Paralympic regatta as favourites in the PR3 mixed double.
- Para-Swimming – Ella Jones is set to make her Paralympic debut while Jesse Aungles returns for his third Paralympic Games.
- Para-Table Tennis – Captaining the team at his third Games, Sam von Einem will be going for gold after claiming silver in Rio and Tokyo. Hayley Sands will make her Games debut.
- Para-Triathlon – Anu Francis and Thomas Goodman have their sights set on the podium in their first Paralympic Games.
- Wheelchair Basketball – Sam White will be joining the Rollers for the second time.
South Australian Sports Institute Director, Keren Faulkner, said she was incredibly proud of the athletes, who have reached this sporting pinnacle through sacrifice, commitment and true grit.
“I am thrilled that SASI has played a role in supporting all of South Australia’s Paris Paralympians and it’s a huge credit to our coaches, and science and health experts who have worked closely with these athletes to get them there,” she said.
The future for SA para-athletes looks bright, as SASI prepares to move to the new $88 million Mile End sports centre, which will featurie purpose-built accessible facilities and expand SASI’s offering for Para-athletes in the future.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Katrine Hildyard said the entire State should feel an immense sense of pride in our Paralympians, who who not only represent Australia on the world stage but are also incredible role models for younger generations, inspiring children of all abilities to participate in sport and lead active and healthy lives.
“The State Government is backing current and future Paralympians, providing $4.6 million in direct support to South Australia’s athletes and Para-athletes this year.” she said.
