The Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) has proudly announced that 31 of its scholarship holders are to represent Australia across 10 different sports during the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
The VIS said the Australian para-athletics team included seven VIS scholarship holders, including world record holders and athletes who were set to become dual Paralympians.
“One of those athletes and someone who should be on the top of your watch list, is dual world record holder Jaryd Clifford,” the VIS said.
“Clifford, who is a visually impaired athlete and competes in the T12 1,500m, 5000m and Marathon events, will be heading to Tokyo with one thing on his mind – gold,” it said.
“Supported by his guide, Tim Logan, Clifford has come a long way since he first made his Paralympic debut in Rio 2016 as a 17 year old, where he placed seventh in the 1,500m and 5,000m.”
The VIS said scholarship holder Amanda ‘AJ’ Jennings would represent Australia in one of the Games’ newest sports, para-canoe.
The Institute said the para-cycling team was also filled with world record holders, reigning world champions and Paralympic medallists.
“Arguably one of the most decorated and motivational figures in Australian sport is three-time Paralympic gold medallist Carol Cooke,” it said.
“Already a nine-time World Champion, Cooke will look to add to her medal collection at Tokyo 2020.”
The VIS also recommended people keep an eye out for Alistair Donohoe, Emily Petricola and Stuart Tripp competing in para-cycling; Emma Booth in para-equestrian; Alexandra ‘Al’ Viney in para-rowing; Col Pearse in para-swimming; Melissa ‘Milly’ Tapper, Ma Lin, Lina Lei and Qian Yang in para-table tennis; Tristan Knowles, Jeremy Tyndall, Bree Mellberg and Isabel Martin in wheelchair basketball; Andrew Harrison, Jason Lees, Josh Hose, Ben Fawcett, Jayden Warn and Shae Graham in wheelchair rugby; as well as Dylan Alcott and Heath Davidson in wheelchair tennis.
