Kathryn Ross is a rower who is ready to take on the world. Kathryn, who has a deformity in her right leg, won a silver medal at the Beijing Paralympics, with her rowing partner John McLean, after bringing home a gold medal at the International Adaptive Regatta in Italy earlier in 2008.

Kathryn sees representing Australia as a great honour and was thrilled about winning Australia’s first medal in Paralympic rowing. She also enjoyed interacting with athletes from other countries and looks back on the experience fondly.

She only began rowing in November 2006 but by August 2007 she had made her first Australian team at the World Championships in Munich. Kathryn says her greatest sporting moment came at these World Championships when she won a silver medal after winning the national title. This also led to her winning a Commonwealth Sports Achievement Award.

Kathryn is currently a member of the Lakes Rowing Club and is coached by Pedro Albisser. She believes part of her success is due to the many inspirational people she has behind her including her Beijing rowing partner John Maclean, her family, friends, NSWIS and VIS staff.

Kathryn loves all her sports and is an all-rounder. She has participated in swimming, netball, speedway racing and is a frequent visitor to the gym. When she isn’t playing sport, she plays the tenor drum in the Blacktown Pipe Band and loves trying new things with her friends. Kathryn is currently looking for a new rowing partner after John Maclean’s retirement and is aiming for gold in London.