Athletes from across Australia are preparing to head to Paris for the Olympic and Paralympic games this month and next and their local communities have been getting behind them.
Two such are athletes are the swimmers and their coach who train at Blacktown Aquatic Centre who will compete in the Paralympic Games.
Tim Hodge and Chloe Osborn from ACU Blacktown Swim Club both qualified following the Australian Swimming Trials in Brisbane in June.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting congratulated the trio and labelled them ‘Team Blacktown’.
“Tim, Chloe and Misha are inspiring people who have shown how dedication and hard work can lead to big things,” he said.
“I am sure everyone in Blacktown City will be cheering them on at the Paralympics.”
Tim, 23, was 2023 Blacktown City Sports Awards Sportsperson of the Year. He was Young Citizen of the Year in 2012.
The Kings Langley resident will compete at his third Paralympics. He will swim in the men’s 400m freestyle S9 class, men’s 100m breaststroke SB8 class, men’s 100m backstroke S9 class, men’s 200m individual medley SM9 class, men’s 100m butterfly S9 class and the mixed 4x100m medley relay 34 points.
Chloe, 20, is making her Paralympics debut.
She has been in great form and in April won two gold medals in freestyle at the World Para Swimming European Open Championships.
The Rouse Hill resident will swim in the women’s 400m freestyle S7 class.
Club coach Misha Payne has been named among the coaching staff for the Australian Dolphins team.
Blacktown City Council has supported the club by ensuring junior and adult swimmers can practise to the best of their ability at Blacktown Aquatic Centre.
Mayor Bunting was pleased Council had played a role in their success.
“Providing quality facilities gives people such as Tim, Chloe and Misha the opportunity to make the most of their ability and fulfill their dreams,” he said.
In June 2024 Blacktown City was named ‘Council of the Year’ at the Sport NSW Community Sports Awards for its top quality venues and community partnerships.
The Paralympics begins on 28 August 2024 and Olympics on July 26.
The staff of LG Focus congratulate all the athletes competing and the communities who have supported them.
