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Teenage swimmer claims first Aussie Paralympic gold

Australia’s first gold medal at the Rio Paralympics has come in the pool, with rookie Lakeisha Patterson smashing a world record.

Lakeisha Patterson
Australian teen Lakeisha Patterson has won gold in the 400m freestyle at the Rio Paralympics. (AAP) Source: AAP

Teenage swimming debutante Lakeisha Patterson has claimed Australia's first Paralympic gold in Rio, winning the women's S8 400m freestyle in world record time.

The 17-year-old led from the 100m mark and hit the wall in 4mins 40.33sec, shaving 0.11s off the previous mark held by American Jessica Long, who finished second.

It was a huge triumph for the Queenslander over Long, who is a 12-time gold medallist.

"I knew I had to attack and not let go. I knew she was right behind me," Patterson said.

"She has been my idol growing up and to race alongside her and to get past her is amazing... I felt quite bad. She has achieved so many things and I have come out of nowhere.

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"I did not think my first Games would end up like this."

Long, a four-time Paralympian, said she knew it would be a tough race against the rookie.

"Lakeisha did a great job so I am happy to hold on for the silver," she said.

"I had to overcome some injuries to compete, so it is a good result."

Earlier on Thursday (Friday AEST), para-cyclist Sue Powell claimed Australia's first medal by taking out silver in the women's C4 3km individual pursuit.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



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