ATHLETES from across the Hunter region will fly the Aussie flag at the upcoming Paralympics in Paris. Taking to the Games stage will be two swimmers, a wheelchair racer, an equestrian, triathlon guide and dual-sport star. Opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday morning (AEST).
LUKE BAILEY
Wickham wheelchair racer Luke Bailey has been there and done it before. Having made his Paralympic debut in Tokyo in 2021, the 26-year-old now returns for his second Games. But this time around Bailey will increase his workload threefold at the Stade de France - starting in the men's 400m T54, again targeting the 100m and rounding out with two laps (800m). He was fourth over the shortest distance at this year's world titles. Coached by Andrew Dawes and a regular at the city's famed blue track.
JACK IRELAND
Born and been in Newcastle, Paris presents swimmer Jack Ireland with a Paralympic debut. His dream's been a long time coming, showing talent at Floraville Public School and eventually relocating to Queensland aged 13. Now based in Brisbane, he celebrated his 25th birthday on Monday. Ireland, who has an intellectual impairment, arrives at the Games as Australia's fastest ever 200m freestyler S14 and following a short course world record in 2023. He has four international medals to his name.
JENNA JONES
Maitland-born swimmer Jenna Jones, 23, returns to the Games eight years after her debut in Rio. Having missed selection for Tokyo in between, Jones recently described 2024 as "a redemption year" while part of Australia's staging camp near Paris. She broke through 12 months ago for a World Championships silver in the women's 100m backstroke S12. Jones, now based on the Sunshine Coast, was diagnosed with a degenerative vision impairment - cone rod dystrophy - aged six.
LISA MARTIN
Hunter equestrian Lisa Martin has spent the last week or so acclimatising with her horse Vilaggio in the French coastal town of Deauville, even enjoying a welcome reception from the deputy mayor and holding one of the Paralympic torches. Raised in Scone and based at Wallalong, the 52-year-old Maitland Pony Club graduate has comeback from multiple issues to make her second Games. Martin, who has a fused ankle from a riding accident that required 20 operations, will compete in both the individual and team dressage at iconic venue Château de Versailles.
LAUREN PARKER
Belmont born and Chisholm based, this Novocastrian has gold in her sights in Paris. Pipped at the post on Paralympic debut in Tokyo, just four years after a life-changing bike crash, she's determined to go one better this time around in the women's wheelchair triathlon. Parker, 35, has continued going from strength to strength, claiming multiple world crowns and completing famed long-distance event Kona in 2022. She's also added two cycling disciplines to her Games program for 2024 - time trial and road race.
AARON ROYLE
A two-time Olympian and current member of the lucrative T100 Triathlon world tour, Aaron Royle dons the national colours once more in Paris. But unlike his own Games experiences, the 34-year-old Novocastrian will act as a Paralympic guide for vision-impaired Sam Harding in the PVTI category. "I relish the opportunity to put on the green and gold and race for my country," Royle said.
