Paralympics Australia and Harvey Norman ran a Paralympian of the week initiative over 8 weeks to tell the untold stories of 8 Paralympians in the leadup to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Below is a wrap up of each Paralympian and a bit about their story.
Jed Altschwager is a paralympic rower, but also has a musical side. Jed sings and plays accordion for Adelaide outfit Dr Piffle and the Burlap Band. Jed was in a band with some school friends who played all around Australia, the group had been setting up for a trip to the US when Jed had an accident that led to his leg being amputated and his Para-rowing career taking off. Over time, band members started going their own ways, but Jed says that he and his bandmates may have something in the pipeline for the end of the year.
Rheed McCraken is a three, going on four-time, Paralympian in athletics, though his moves off the track are turning heads. Rheed is making an impact on the fashion world. In 2021, Tommy Hilfiger approached Rheed to model their new adaptive range. He is now the face of a new campaign for the fashion and lifestyle platform, THE ICONIC. This year, Rheed’s fashion has taken a backseat as he pushes himself for gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
For Nicholas Hum, athletics and cabinet making go hand in hand. The small business owner is a qualified cabinet maker who takes deep pride in his craft, honing his creations in his spare time. The father of three and 2020 long jump bronze medallist enjoyed woodwork in school and went into cabinet making shortly after leaving. Nicholas says seeing something come together one piece at a time, and working with the wood is his little piece of peace, in what can be an otherwise challenging time competing as an elite athlete.
Quiet and humble, archer Ameera Lee is a role model and a trailblazer for her community. The single mum works full time around her sporting commitments to support her family. It was her son Huthaifa who introduced her to the world of archery, which has now led to a strengthened bond between the two. Ameera says her mantra and favourite saying that she tries to live by is “be creative, get inspired and never give up”.
For archer Jonathan Milne, there is no pressure. Para or able-bodied, it is all the same. “It doesn’t matter where in the world I am, it’s the same distance to the target, the same size, same equipment,” Jonathon says. The two-time Paralympian won Australia’s first Paralympic medal in Para-archery in 32 years at Rio 2016. Jono is also smashing records and stereotypes; shooting a world record score at the National Archery Championships for Para and non-Para athletes – his record still stands today. Jono is now focused on achieving his next target – the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Taylor Gosens is part of a family legacy that could make history in Paris. No father/daughter duo has ever represented Australia at the Paralympic Games. Taylor is the daughter of three-time Paralympian Gerrard Gosens, but the judoka is now forging her own path. “I had a lot of expectations on me to go into running, myself. Both my parents are runners and I’m definitely not,” Taylor says. The 26-year-old has four per cent vision because of aniridia, a condition which means she was born with no iris, and glaucoma. Taylor says she’s done a lot of work with her coach and team to pave her way, but she will always be grateful to have her dad in her corner.
Shae Graham loves a good book. The librarian by day is now writing her own story on the wheelchair rugby court. Becoming the first female athlete selected to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby, Shae isn’t afraid to get into the scrum when she puts on the green and gold, putting her fears and doubts aside for her country. “When I decided to overcome my fear and give wheelchair rugby a go, I hopped in the chair and instantly fell in love with the game,” Shae says. Shae is now one of three female Australian Steelers vying for a chance to play on the world’s biggest stage.
Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson is a Paralympic swimming legend who hails from far North Queensland. His wicked sense of humour and incredible achievements in the pool have created a platform for him to share his journey with the world and it’s there that Scooter has found his passion. “I do a lot of motivational speaking, and I always talk about ‘what’s your purpose in life?’,” he says. Scooter is passionate about showing people anything and everything is possible for those living with disabilities and physical challenges. “I just get out there and have a go,” Scooter says. “My purpose is not just swimming, but it’s the tool to hopefully inspire the next generation to help them have a crack in life and chase their dreams.”
