Jack Ireland dreams of the day he represents Australia at the Paralympic Games, and after making his international debut last September, that dream has never felt so close from becoming a reality.
It would be high time, too – at just 20, Jack has been swimming competitively for over a decade, first in his home town of Newcastle, NSW, before relocating at 13 to train under the University of Queensland’s David Heyden.
Together, the duo have honed Jack’s craft, and after a bronze medal in the men’s 200m freestyle at the 2019 Australian Swimming Championships, as well as top 10 placings in five events across four disciplines, Jack finally received the call.
The call that had seen 303 Australians before him go on to compete on the world stage.
That stage would be the 2019 World Para-swimming Championships in London, England, where Jack joined Australian teammates Liam Schluter and Ricky …
Read More
Jack Ireland dreams of the day he represents Australia at the Paralympic Games, and after making his international debut last September, that dream has never felt so close from becoming a reality.
It would be high time, too – at just 20, Jack has been swimming competitively for over a decade, first in his home town of Newcastle, NSW, before relocating at 13 to train under the University of Queensland’s David Heyden.
Together, the duo have honed Jack’s craft, and after a bronze medal in the men’s 200m freestyle at the 2019 Australian Swimming Championships, as well as top 10 placings in five events across four disciplines, Jack finally received the call.
The call that had seen 303 Australians before him go on to compete on the world stage.
That stage would be the 2019 World Para-swimming Championships in London, England, where Jack joined Australian teammates Liam Schluter and Ricky Betar in the men’s 200m freestyle S14 final, placing eighth.
It was a stellar showing by the young debutant, and one which he hopes to replicate or better this August at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Being a part of these Games would be particularly special for Jack, as he would be celebrating his 21st birthday alongside the greatest Para-athletes in the world, on day one of the Para-swimming, and as a Paralympian himself, finally.
Photo credit: Delly Carr / Swimming Australia
Back To Athletes
Social Media