NSWIS Contributes 15 Medals to Paralympic Tally

Across 11 days of fierce competition, Australia’s best Para-athletes have thrilled, elevated and empowered the nation, securing a top 10 finish on the medal table and leaving an indelible mark on the global Paralympic movement.

Led by exemplary co-captains, eight-time Paralympic wheelchair racing medallist Angie Ballard and four-time Para-canoe gold medallist Curtis McGrath, Australia’s 160 athletes prevailed amid rapidly rising standards in international Para-sport to win medals in nine of the 17 sports they contested.

The Australian Paralympic Team won 18 gold medals, 17 silver and 28 bronze, a haul of 63 medals in total, to finish ninth on the final table, ahead of major Paralympic powers including Japan, Germany and Canada, and one gold medal behind host nation France.

Athletes from the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) contributed 15 medals to the nation’s tally – four gold, seven silver and four bronze medals.

NSWIS athletes Lauren Parker (cycling & triathlon) and Tim Hodge (swimming) were one of six Australian dual gold medallists. They each won two gold medals and a silver medal.  

In addition, Lauren Parker became the first Australian athlete in 32 years to compete in two sports at the Paralympic Games and the first Australian athlete to win gold medals in two Paralympic sports in 48 years.  

Finally, Lauren’s medal in the H1-4 Road Race clocked up NSWIS’ 200th cumulative Paralympic Medal for the national tally. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of the way our athletes competed and represented Australia at Paris 2024,” Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said.

“We saw medals, personal bests, fantastic team efforts and incredible individual performances. We also saw some heartbreaking near-misses, such are the highs and lows of high performance sport.

“Yet, throughout it all, our incredible athletes backed each other and showed warmth, humility and bravery. They used their platform to change perceptions of disability. They showed the world the best of Australian sport, the Australian spirit and the Australian character.

“Congratulations to each member of this proud team. You are now part of the incredible Australian Paralympic story.”

Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh spoke of the many people who worked behind the scenes to prepare, deliver and support Australia’s athletes before and during the Games.

“I’m in awe of the expertise and dedication of our athletes, as well as the support team that sits behind them,’” Ms Creagh said.

“Years of planning went into ensuring that our Australian Paralympic Team would be kept safe, healthy and had everything it needed to perform at its best. This includes the whole spectrum of team delivery, such as operations, performance services, medical and media services.

“I’d like to thank all who played a part, from our world-leading staff at Paralympics Australia to our member organisations and colleagues across Australian sport, to our partners throughout government and business.

“Finally, but certainly not least, on behalf of the entire Australian Paralympic movement, I want to say thank you to the people of France, and particularly Paris and surrounds, for embracing the Paralympic Games with great enthusiasm. You have put on such an incredible show and have been great cheerleaders across all sports.

“Your efforts to make the Australian Paralympic Team feel welcomed in your spectacular city and the hospitality and generosity you have provided, are deeply appreciated. The partnerships we’ve built and the experiences we’ve had will live long in all our memories.”

Article courtesy of Paralympics Australia