Curtis McGrath is back.
Selected for Australia’s 2026 Para Canoe World Cup team, the four-time Paralympic gold medallist is returning to international competition – not chasing medals or proving anything, but to hopefully experience a Paralympic Games with the family he didn’t have beside him in Paris.
“Paris was a difficult Games for me,” he said. “I had the opportunity to race as one of the top medal contenders, which was really special, but I felt something was missing…that was my family.”
His father and brother were there, but his wife Rachel and their young son Monty were not.
“And if they had been there, there might have been a different story and a different sort of feeling,” he reflected.
That quiet absence lingered long after the Games ended. Retirement whispered in the back of his mind, just enough to make him question what came next.
But McGrath made a different choice: “I realised I wanted to go one more time and have a crack at having my family there with me – celebrating those moments that are so special for so many people, but particularly after everything we’d been through in 2024.”
That decision is now official with his selection for Australia’s squad for the Para Canoe World Cup in Brandenburg, Germany from May 14-27, the starting point of the two-year Paralympic qualification pathway to LA2028.
This isn’t a comeback driven by unfinished business in the traditional sense. Physically, the challenge of returning to the water is about more than fitness. It’sabout recalibrating goals, keeping things in perspective and just enjoying the ride.
“Having a goal to achieve is somewhat different now – it’s not about going there and winning the gold medal,” he said. “It’s more about getting to the start line, making the most of opportunities and making the people that support me proud.”
Fatherhood has reshaped everything for McGrath. While the competitive fire continues to burn, the reason he pushes himself has taken on a new, deeper meaning.
“It does change a little bit,” he said. “The intent and the intensity are still there, but there are other pressures and priorities that pop up. Monty being sick, my wife working long shifts as an ICU doctor… it’s a bit trickier to manage now.”
Thankfully, his coach understands the realities of being a parent-athlete. “When your mind is pulled elsewhere, you can’t get the most out of your training. That flexibility and support are really important.”
The coming years will be busy – World Cup racing, the World Championships in Poland and the international lead-up to LA2028 – but McGrath is acutely mindful of balancing life at home with life on the water.
“Being a father is an important part of it,” he said. “You take what’s in front of you at the moment and work towards the next challenge, rather than worrying too far ahead.”
Since Paris, life has been rich and dynamic, with McGrath wearing many and varied hats: mentor, Paralympics Australia board member, Paralympic advisor with Deloitte – all while watching Monty growing into a curious, spirited young boy.
“Monty’s tall, has character and a bit of fierceness. It’s fun to see his personality come out, learning to throw a ball, bouncing a basketball… it’s exciting to watch him develop into his own little person,” he said. “The moments are more personable, more special. You hold them very, very dearly.”
McGrath’s return coincides with a moment of growth for Para canoe in Australia. His presence is about performance, but also leadership, mentorship and showing the rising athletes the way.
“We’re sending a team of seven overseas, which I think is the largest we’ve ever sent internationally,” he said. “It’s a really good sign that our pathways are doing well. We get them overseas, see what the international level’s like… racing against people in the same class. It’s a great opportunity.”
By the time Brisbane 2032 arrives, McGrath may no longer be lining up at the start line, but his influence will remain. Through his extensive work beyond the boat, his impact is already extending well beyond his own racing career.
“It’s about finishing this chapter on my terms,” he said. “And helping shape what comes next. I want to make sure the next generation has every opportunity to do what they love and achieve their best.”
The 2026 Para Canoe World Cup isn’t just a return to racing, it’s paddling for Monty and Rachel cheering from the riverbank – the family he raced without in Paris, finally by his side.
“I’m not here just to represent Australia – I’m here to represent my family,” he said. “That’s what makes this next chapter so special.”
By Ashley Gillespie, Paralympics Australia.
Published 2 April, 2026.
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