Rowan Crothers first proved he is a force to be reckoned with when, at just 16, he swam the race of his life to win gold in the men’s 100m freestyle S9 in a world record time of 54.58 at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Having also clinched victory over Australia’s most successful Paralympian, Matt Cowdrey, the race remains a defining moment in Rowan’s career, laying the foundation to achieve his ultimate goal of representing his country at a Paralympic Games.

This followed a standout debut for Australia at the 2013 International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships in Montréal, Canada, where Rowan won gold in the men’s 4x100m freestyle 34 Points and bronze in the men’s 100m freestyle S9.

A shock reclassification from S9 to S10 ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games was a major adjustment for Rowan, but his incredible natural ability proved enough to not only earn selection …

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Date of birth
24 October 1997
Sport
Para-swimming
Past Paralympic Games

Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020

Impairment
Physical Impairment – Cerebral palsy affecting his right arm
How acquired
Congenital
Residence
Moorooka, QLD
Occupation
Student
Started competing
2009
First competed for Australia
2013
Sport career highlights

Winning a gold medal in the men’s 100m freestyle S9 at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland

Greatest sporting moments

Peter Leek winning a gold medal in the men’s 200m individual medley SM8 at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Heroes/role models

Geoff Trappett

Favourite quote
Dream, believe, achieve

Disciplines

  • Sport: Para-swimming Discipline: 50m freestyle Classification: S10
  • Sport: Para-swimming Discipline: 100m freestyle Classification: S10
  • Sport: Para-swimming Discipline: 400m freestyle Classification: S10
  • Sport: Para-swimming Discipline: 4x100m freestyle Classification: S10

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