Jake Michel, no relation to Australian boccia star Dan Michel, shares his compatriot’s passion for competition and ability to convert hard work into podium success.
A breaststroke specialist, Jake first began competing in Para-swimming in 2014, but it was only after being named to the Dolphins’ development squad in 2018 that Australians realised what they had on their hands – a future Paralympic champion.
At the 2018 Pan Pacific Para-swimming Championships in Cairns, QLD, Jake blitzed the field in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB4-9/11-13 heats. However, as a member of the development squad and not the Australian team, he missed the final – and the opportunity to win his first medal at an international meet.
But not for long. After being internationally classified at the 2019 World Para-swimming World Series, Jake won two gold medals over 50m and 100m, finishing 144 points ahead of teammate Ahmed Kelly in the 50m …
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Jake Michel, no relation to Australian boccia star Dan Michel, shares his compatriot’s passion for competition and ability to convert hard work into podium success.
A breaststroke specialist, Jake first began competing in Para-swimming in 2014, but it was only after being named to the Dolphins’ development squad in 2018 that Australians realised what they had on their hands – a future Paralympic champion.
At the 2018 Pan Pacific Para-swimming Championships in Cairns, QLD, Jake blitzed the field in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB4-9/11-13 heats. However, as a member of the development squad and not the Australian team, he missed the final – and the opportunity to win his first medal at an international meet.
But not for long. After being internationally classified at the 2019 World Para-swimming World Series, Jake won two gold medals over 50m and 100m, finishing 144 points ahead of teammate Ahmed Kelly in the 50m event, and 47 points ahead of two-time Paralympian Evan Austin (USA) in the 100m.
These results all but secured Jake’s place at the 2019 World Para-swimming Championships, where he just missed the podium with fourth place – and a new Oceanian record – in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB14.
With the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games just around the corner, Jake is working tirelessly with long-time coach Brian Glass to give himself the best possible chance of fulfilling his dream of Paralympic gold.
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