[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”82136″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Lawrence Machodo[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Australia’s most successful women’s Paralympian Ellie Cole will be starring at the upcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The 30-year-old Hornsby local has 17 Paralympian gold medals and four Commonwealth Games medals. Despite a double shoulder reconstruction, Cole is expected to add to her awesome tally.
Ellie is one of the local stars aiming for glory at the July 28 to August 8 Games, with hurdler Michelle Jenneke and boxer Kaye Scott in the mix too.
Having had her leg amputated at just three, Ellie has surmounted immense odds to be a flag bearer for the Para-sports movement in Australia.
“I was diagnosed with a rare cancer and my parents had to make the decision to have my leg amputated a year later,” Ellie said in a previous interview. “I then jumped into a swimming pool (as part of rehab) and I just stayed there.”
Ellie first represented Australia in 2006 as a 14-year-old, and this could be her last Games. Australian champion 100m hurdler Michelle Jenneke, 29, is as famous for her running as she is for her warm-up dance which has gone viral.
The Dural ace will be keen to improve on her fourth place at the 2018 Gold Coast Games, having genuine pace to go all the way.
Kaye Scott, 38, is a very skilful pugilist in the 66-70kg weight class, having fallen in love with boxing at her university gym.
One of the first female boxers to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games, Scott won silver at the 2016 Women’s World Championships. Hornsby MP Matt Kean, the NSW Treasurer, congratulated the local trio.
“Michelle is a graduate of the Cherrybrook Little Athletics Club as a 100m hurdler and is one of Australia’s best-known athletes. Despite recently being troubled with injuries, the 29-year-old is fit and ready compete in her third Commonwealth Games,” Mr Kean said.
“Kaye is a well-known amateur boxer who is also participating in her third consecutive Commonwealth Games. Kaye is a very committed athlete whose many sessions of training at the local PCYC have helped make her the very talented boxer she is today.
“I am especially pleased Paralympic swimmer, Ellie Cole, has also been selected to participate in her third Commonwealth Games. Ellie is Hornsby’s Woman of the Year for 2022, for which I had the pleasure of awarding her earlier this year.
“She is one of the most decorated Para-swimmers in Australian history, and an inspiration to other athletes as well as anyone living with a disability.
“All three athletes from our local area are very experienced and all have serious chances of securing a medal for Australia. Best of luck to Michelle, Kaye, and Ellie in Birmingham. I will be tuning in to follow your performances and, hopefully, successes.”
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