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The career goal enticing Paralympics swimming star

Legendary Australian swimming coach Laurie Lawrence would often tell his athletes “You can’t eat a gold medal”.

With that in mind, Australian Catholic University Bachelor of Physiotherapy student Brenden Hall has already switched his focus to what’s next after another successful Paralympics campaign.

Brenden was among 15 ACU students and alumni who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Many, including Brenden and five-time diving Olympian Melissa Wu, thrived thanks to the support of ACU’s Elite Athlete and Performer Program that backs students as they pursue their academic and active goals.

Less than 24 hours after carrying the Australian flag down the Champs Elysee, Brenden won a bronze medal in the S9 400m freestyle at his fifth Paralympics.

He will likely compete for selection at next year’s world championships, “if the body’s willing”, but is confident of completing his course this year before sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of Paralympians.

“I’m trying to figure out a way to come back into that Games environment as a physiotherapist and give back to the Paralympic movement,” Brenden said.

“I’d like to be able to help future athletes go on and achieve their goals. It would be exciting to be on the other side of that fence and help athletes go for gold.”

The pool was a productive arena for ACU athletes at the Olympics.

Bachelor of Education student Sienna Hearn and alum Elle Armit won silver medals as part of the Aussie Stingers womens water polo team that reached the final against Spain.

Butterfly swimmer Alexandria Perkins was another silver medalist after competing as a member of the Australian women’s medley relay team.

ACU alum Shae Graham joined Brenden Hall as a medalist at the Paris Paralympics. She took home bronze with the Aussie Steelers wheelchair rugby team.

Media Contact: Damien Stannard, 0484 387 349, damien.stannard@acu.edu.au