Australian Tim Disken put aside his loss and fear to win a Paralympics silver medal, only three days after the death of his mother Jenny.
The swimmer was part of the 4x100m medley relay team that finished second in Friday night's last event of the Tokyo Games swimming program.
"We lost my mum on Tuesday night and just trying to get up to race tonight was hard in itself," Disken told the Seven Network.
"The support from the team has been phenomenal. I couldn't be in a better spot for the heartbreak I've had over the last 72 hours.
"To be able to pull that out and get a silver with my mates ... I'm so proud."
Disken combined with Will Martin, Tim Hodge and Ben Popham in the medley relay.
He had posted an emotional tribute to his mother on Instagram before the final, saying he did not think the year could get any worse and he hoped to do her proud in the relay.
Tim Disken of Australia competes in the Swimming Finals at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre during the Tokyo Paralympic Games. Source: SPORT THE LIBRARY/PARALYMPIC AUSTRALIA
"I sit here lost, confused, distraught, in shock and just empty. Sometimes, life just isn't fair," he said.
"I've lost my No.1 supporter, my rock and my best friend. The pain is unimaginable, and losing you is by far the hardest thing I've ever had to endure.
"Truly lost, scared, and frightened without you. I'm forever grateful to have someone as special as you, as my mother."
Disken will return to Australia on a team charter flight early next week and then will have two weeks of hotel quarantine before he can rejoin his family in Melbourne.
"To my family back home, I'm so sorry I can't be there to grieve with you and comfort you, you are all in my thoughts," he said.
Australia has now won 72 medals in this Paralympic campaign; 18 gold, 27 silver, and 27 bronze.
The Australian team will be looking to up that tally again on Saturday, with tennis star Dylan Alcott vying for his second singles gold and three gold medals up for grabs in the canoeing.
