Sport
6 September, 2024
Bronze medals for ‘Scooter’
THE pride and joy of Cairns – Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson – continues to make history for regional sport after two extraordinary performances at the Paris Paralympics earning him bronze in the 150m individual medley and 50m breaststroke.
The Rattle and Hum Bar and Grill was pumping on Wednesday afternoon as the community watched Patterson’s second performance at the 50m breaststroke heats before the finals.
After showcasing great speed at the 150m men’s individual medley, which earned him a shared podium with another beloved Aussie Ahmed Kelly, people were eager to see him swim in his strongest category, the 50m breaststroke.
On the other side of the world and over 14,000kms away, Mr Patterson has embraced the love from the community and channelled it into his performance.
“I’ve had so much support back home and it’s been awesome,” he said.
“It feels good to be able to say that I’m a living and breathing role model for the next generation and I hope to inspire them to try a paralympic sport and represent their country.
“The games and the swims have been great so far. The crowds have been very supportive and on the second day of the relay swim, the crowds were roaring which was amazing.
“When I got the bronze medal, what was going through my mind was focusing on all the hard work in training and executing the race plan by Herbie (coach Andrew ‘Herbie’ Howard) and it came out very well.
“Earlier in the year I couldn’t go under 3.12 in the 150m IM and then in the heats I did 3.07 and then in the final I did 3.06 so I’m very happy about that.”
Ahead of his 50m breaststroke heats on Wednesday ,Mr Patterson said he was feeling strong and focused.
“I’m feeling pumped, training has gone great, splits are strong and I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m in a good headspace,” he said.
“It’s been amazing sharing this journey with Herbie, 17 years in the making and he’s also enjoying every part of it but especially when he saw me win the bronze.
“I’d like to thank the Cairns community and ask them to continue supporting us because I love every minute of it, and we’ll see you soon.”
FNQ Swimming president Jim Greatorex said Scooter’s Paralympic journey would have great impact on Cairns’ young swimmers.
“The whole swimming community is incredibly proud of his achievements, he’s inspirational and we can’t wait to see him back with his medal,” he said.
“Also a big congrats to Herbie as his coach and mentor, this partnership between them is critical.
“Scooter’s journey has been more challenging than most, but because he’s so relatable, many of our athletes are incredibly inspired to achieve more. We know the dedication to the sport that has been required for him to be selected for the Australian team, and then to win a medal is exceptional.”
