Ellie Cole (S9) qualified for her third Olympic Games winning the women’s Multi-Class 50 freestyle at the Australian National Championships. Cole took the event in a time of 28.75 setting a new world record beating the previous mark of 29.12 set by Lin Ping of China in 2012.
“For the 50m freestyle – leg amputees aren’t very good at it,” Cole said.
“Natalie du Toit held the record before and to follow in her footsteps has been a dream of mine since I was a really little girl. I am absolutely speechless with that time.”
“I’ve been on the Australian swim team for 10 years now and performances like that just really remind you of what it is all about. No matter how long you swim for or are an elite athlete for there are still surprises like that so I am really happy with that swim.”
In 2008 at the Paralympics in in Beijing Cole collected a silver in the 100 butterfly as well as bronze medals in both the 100 backstroke and 400 freestyle. In 2012 at the Paralympics in London Cole came away with an even more impressive medal haul making her one of the most decorated athletes at the Games. She took gold in the 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke as well as the 4 x 100 freestyle and 4 x 100 medley relays. She added bronze medals in both the 50 and 400 freestyle.
