Two athletes in particular to keep an eye on are Bamawm Extension export Col Pearse and Nanneella product James McQuillan.
After claiming bronze in the 100m butterfly S10 in Tokyo and following up with a Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham in 2022, Pearse will be looking for his first Paralympic gold when he takes on the 100m S10 butterfly and the 200m SM10 individual medley.
Pearse’s program kicks off next Tuesday, September 3, with the butterfly heats, taking place in session 11, which is set to run from 5.30pm to 8.30pm AEST. The 100m butterfly is the second-last event on the schedule for this session, so Pearse should take to the pool after 8pm.
Should he qualify, the gold medal will be decided at 4.13am on Wednesday, September 4.
Pearse’s IM schedule begins on Saturday, September 7, with the heats scheduled as the first event in the 5.30pm to 8.30pm session.
If Pearse progresses, the final will take place at 1.30am the following morning.
McQuillan is heading into his first Paralympics as part of the Australian wheelchair rugby team.
After taking out the world championships in 2022, the Australian side will be one of the favourites to claim gold in the eight-nation competition.
Australia’s Pool B campaign kicks off against Great Britan at 7.30pm on Thursday, August 29, before the green and gold take on host France at 3.30am on Saturday, August 31, and Denmark at 9.30pm on Sunday, September 1.
Should Australia feature in the medal rounds, a potential bronze medal game will take place at 9.30pm on Monday, September 3, while the gold medal match is set for 3.30am on Tuesday, September 3.
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