Hunter Athletes Take Out Prestigious Paralympic Awards

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Gillieston Heights swimmer, Maddison Elliott has been crowned as the 2016 Australian Female Paralympian of the Year at the Australian Paralympic Awards last night.

The 17-year-old received the accolade as recognition for her efforts at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Elliott won three gold and two silver medals at the Games, making her the tenth most successful athlete from any nation.

Maddison Elliott

Maddison set the world record for the 50 metre freestyle, contributed to the world record for the 4x100 metre freestyle relay and set a Paralympic record in the 100 metre freestyle.

Former Newcastle triathlete, Katie Kelly was also nominated for the award.

Former Lake Macquarie athlete, Liesl Tesch also had her paralympic efforts recognised at last night's event.

The Para-sailer was awarded the Uncle Kevin Coombs Medal for the Spirit of the Games.

Liesl Tesch

Gillieston Heights Teenager Wins Gold At Paralympics

BY IAN CROUCH

Gilleston Heights swimmer, Maddison Elliott has claimed Australia's 5th gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Rio, winning the S8 100 metre freestyle in a Paralympic record time of 1:04.73.

She won bronze in the same event as a 13-year-old at the London Paralympics in 2012,

Maddison became the youngest Australian to win a Paralympic medal when she took bronze in the S8 400 metre freestyle in London. She also won gold in the 4X100 women's relay and silver in the S8 50 metre freestyle, bagging 4 medals from the London Paralympics.

After her win this morning, 17-year-old Maddi told the Seven Network she's dedicating her gold to friend and fellow Hunter swimmer, Jade Frith, who tragically passed away a few months ago.

"I really want to dedicate this to my friend, Jade. She's been my best friend for so long and since I lost her a couple of months ago, I'm going to dedicate this medal to you. I love you and I miss you," she said.

Maddison Elliott