The excitement of the Summer Olympics may be over, but we still have something to look forward to – the Paralympics. It’s the ultimate display of commitment, perseverance, and extraordinary ability, and there are plenty of Gold Coast Paralympians to watch when it kicks off on August 28.
Alexa Leary
Raised on both the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, swimming is second nature to Alexa. But everything changed for the promising triathlete when she survived a serious cycling accident in 2021. Despite life-altering brain injuries and 111 days in the hospital, she was determined not to let the accident get in the way of her sporting dreams. Just three years later, she’s bound for Paris, having qualified for the 2024 Australian Paralympic swimming team. For Alexa, like so many Paralympians, this event is about much more than a medal.
Carlee Beattie
Carlee Beattie is not your typical athlete. While most make their international debuts at a World Championships or Commonwealth Games, Carlee’s first time on the global stage was under the bright lights of the Bird’s Nest at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Though she didn’t medal, Carlee gained invaluable experience that set the stage for her future success. In London 2012, she won silver in the women’s long jump F46, missing gold by a mere 0.06 centimetres, followed by her first world title in 2015. Despite a devastating injury in 2017, Carlee is set for Paris – and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes.
Christian Geiger
Hope Island’s Christian Geiger has had a long journey to the 2024 Paralympics. After a devastating car accident in 2009 left him with severe brain trauma and multiple injuries, Christian endured months of rehabilitation to regain basic skills. Despite these challenges, he returned to skiing, making his Paralympic debut at Sochi 2014 as a sighted guide, where he helped secure a bronze medal for Jessica Gallagher in Giant Slalom. Now guiding world champion Melissa Perrine, Christian’s expertise and resilience will be on display at Paris 2024, where he continues to inspire as both a competitor and coach for the Australian Para-alpine skiing team.
Curtis McGrath
From combat engineer to Paralympic champion, Burleigh Waters local Curtis McGrath’s story is one of resilience and determination. In 2012, while serving in Afghanistan, Curtis lost both legs in an explosion. Even in the face of shock and pain, he vowed to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games when he recovered. Just months after taking up Para-canoe, he won gold at the 2014 World Championships, a feat he repeated the following year. At the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Curtis secured Australia’s first Para-canoe gold, and at Tokyo 2020, he made history as the first Paralympian to win two golds in the sport. It’s not hard to see why he was selected to co-captain Team Australia at this year’s Paralympic Games.
Tom Gallagher
After transitioning from Surf Life Saving to pool swimming at the end of 2020, Gold Coaster Tom Gallagher quickly made waves. Less than a year later, he not only earned a spot on the Australian Paralympic Team – he also shattered the national record in the men’s 400m freestyle S10 at the Trials. At his Paralympic debut in Tokyo 2020, Tom secured a bronze medal in the 400m freestyle with a time of 4:03.91. His impressive performances also saw him finish fifth in both the 50m and 100m freestyle events, marking him as one of Australia’s promising new talents.
Ella Sabljak
Carrara local Ella Sabljak has made a remarkable impact in not one, but two Paralympic sports. A primary school teacher by trade, Ella initially made her mark on the basketball court, where she captained Australia’s U25 team to a World Championship silver medal and competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. In 2022, seeking a new challenge, she transitioned to wheelchair rugby and quickly became a key player for the Australian Steelers. Ella’s natural talent shone through, culminating in a world championship gold medal at the 2022 IWRF World Championship in Denmark. Beyond the court, she’s an advocate for her sport, representing the Asia Oceania Zone on the IWBF’s Athlete Steering Committee.
Tobiah Goffsassen
Ashmore local Tobiah Goffsassen’s rowing journey started in Grade Seven, when he experienced the exhilaration of his school, The Southport School, winning Head of the River. Drawn in by the sense of community, Tobiah – known as ‘Tobes’ to his mates – joined the Griffith University Surfers Paradise Rowing Club and began to hone his skills. In 2023, his dedication paid off with selection to the Australian National Rowing Team, competing at the International Para Rowing Regatta in Gavirate, Italy. For Tobiah, becoming a Paralympian is the ultimate dream – and it’s a goal he pursues with passion and dedication. Off the water, he enjoys rugby, golf, beach outings, and watching Friends.