While Sean Russo initially only took up swimming at the age of five due to his asthma, the water has since played an increasingly prominent role in his life.
Sean represented Australia for the first time at the 2010 IPC Swimming World Championships in Eindhoven and made the most of his opportunity. He won a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke, breaking the Australian record in the event and representing the highlight of his burgeoning career. At the same meet, Sean broke Australian records in the 400m freestyle and 100m butterfly to underlie his enormous potential.
Sean realised his dream when he was selected to compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. He as unlucky to just miss a medal in his pet event, the 100m backstroke, finishing fourth.
His busy program also included the 100m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 200m individual medley and 100m breaststroke. He made the finals in four events.
Sean went on to compete at the 2013 and 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships, repeating his bronze medal in the 100m backstroke at the 2015 meet in Glasgow.
In July 2014, Sean set a new short course world record for the S13 100m backstroke. Competing in Adelaide, he swam 58.87 seconds to set the new record.
At his second Paralympic Games in Rio, Sean placed seventh in the 100m breaststroke, fifth in the 100m backstroke and sixth in the 200m individual medley. He also competed in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly but did not progress to the finals.
When he’s not swimming, Sean enjoys playing his Xbox 360 with friends and watching Roger Federer play tennis. He is currently completing a Massage Therapy Course at Loftus.
Show less
Join AUS Squad
Para-swimming
