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Para-swimmer Braedan Jason has been added to the Australian Paralympic Team for the Tokyo Games after the International Paralympic Committee granted an additional place in the squad for Jason.

After strong performances at the Australian Swimming Trials in Adelaide last month, Swimming Australia inquired about gaining additional slots and was informed by the IPC it could add Jason, who competed in four events at the Rio Games in 2016.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” the 23-year-old 100 metres freestyle S12 swimmer said. “It’s been a crazy three or four weeks with the situation I’ve been in. But, to be a part of the Games a second time around, I’m extremely excited.

“I raced out of my skin at the Australian Trials and made the qualifying time, but there were too many blokes for the spots we had so I basically became a reserve. I was so lucky to have been granted an extra slot.”

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Australian Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said Jason would be a fine addition to the 32 Para-swimmers named for Tokyo after the Trials.

“It’s rare to get another chance and we are incredibly grateful to the International Paralympic Committee for granting an additional slot that will now see Braedan attend his second Paralympic Games,” McLoughlin said.

“Our strong Para-swimming Team for Tokyo is now finalised and it’s wonderful to be able to add Braedan to it. We know, like every swimmer in the Team, he will give his all for Australia when it’s time to race.”

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Swimming Australia’s General Manager of the Paralympic Program, Adam Pine, said he was pleased to welcome Jason to the Team and thanked everyone involved for their professionalism during the process.

“Strong performances at Trials meant some athletes made qualifying times but didn’t make the team initially. To be in a position to offer Braedan a place on the Team is wonderful and something he justly deserves following his performances at the trials.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved for the way they have conducted themselves during the process. In saying that, we’re really pleased we can now add and welcome Braedan to the Team and look forward to seeing him compete in Tokyo.”   

Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Lynne Anderson added: “Well done to all those involved in achieving this outcome. This is a great moment for Braedan, who will now get to compete at a second Paralympics, and I know he will grab this opportunity with both hands.”

By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 14 July 2021