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Cycling Australia would like to wish Jessica Gallagher the very best as she transitions from the sport of Para-cycling to Para-rowing.
A former Para-alpine skier, Gallagher made history in 2010 by becoming the first female athlete from Australia to win a medal at the Paralympic Winter Games when she claimed bronze in the women’s slalom Visually Impaired. She matched this result in 2014.
Gallagher’s ability to transfer skills across sports was evident in 2011 when she won two World Championships medals in Para-athletics, before representing Australia at the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the women’s long jump F13 and women’s javelin F12/13.
Switching to Para-cycling in 2015, Gallagher then became the first Australian to win a medal at both the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games after winning bronze in the women’s 1000m time trial B at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
In a glittering Para-cycling career, Gallagher claimed the 2016 sprint world title plus three silver and bronze medals with pilot Madison Janssen at the International Cycling Union Para-cycling Track World Championships, and two second placings at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“I have really enjoyed cycling, however I am now also incredibly excited about the opportunity for the transfer to rowing,” Gallagher said.
Warren McDonald, Cycling Australia’s Para-cycling Technical Director, recognised Gallagher’s career and legacy in the sport.
“Jess has a tremendous athletic ability, which has been highlighted by success at the highest level across multiple [Paralympic Summer and Winter Games] in sports such as alpine skiing, athletics and cycling,” McDonald said.
“Jess has been a terrific ambassador for cycling, Para-cycling and female athletes, and we wish her the very best in her future sporting endeavours.”
By Cycling Australia
Posted: 29/08/2019
