Celebrating the success of our AAF-supported para-athletes
Au Revoir Paris! What a success the 2024 Games have been.
Across the two Games, Aussie Athlete Fund proudly supported 20 athletes and para-athletes over 16 different sports, and to say they made Australia proud is an understatement.
But for the Paralympic Games, success was about more than just sport – it was about challenging perceptions and proving that ability, not disability, defines these remarkable athletes. Australia finished in the top 10 overall, securing ninth place on the medal tally with an impressive haul of 18 golds, 17 silvers and 28 bronzes.
From individual triumphs to extraordinary team performances, the Games were truly a showcase of hard work and excellence. Notably, we saw two-time Paralympian Jamieson Leeson return to the world stage and secure a silver medal win in boccia - women's individual BC3, while Brayden Foxley-Conolly made his debut with The Steelers, earning bronze in wheelchair rugby.
Congratulations to Paralympics Australia and its support team for an incredibly successful Games.
Here's a look back on two weeks of extraordinary achievements from our seven AAF-supported para-athletes in Paris.
Jamieson Leeson
Event: Women’s BC3 Boccia
Medal: Silver
She’s come a long way since she cheered on her siblings from the sidelines. And at just 21 years old, Jamieson Leeson showcased her competitive spirit, competing in her second Paralympic Games and winning a silver medal in boccia - women's individual BC3. She also reached the quarterfinals in the mixed pairs BC3 with her teammate Daniel Michel.
Brayden Foxley-Conolly
Event: Wheelchair Rugby
Medal: Bronze
Brayden Foxley-Conolly made an impressive debut with his exceptional performance alongside The Steelers to secure a bronze medal win. As the youngest member of the team by a decade, Brayden proved he’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of wheelchair rugby and we can’t wait to see what comes next for him.
Samantha Schmidt
Event: Discus F38
Result: 7th place (33.05m, season best)
Games: Second Games (Tokyo 2020)
Abby Craswell
Event/Result: 100m sprint T36 heats (15.28)
Games: Debut
Jack Howell
Event: Para Triathlon
Result: 7th place
Games: Debut
Taylor Gosens
Event: Women's +70kg J2
Result: Quarterfinals, 7th place
Having only taken up judo four years ago and only competing internationally for one year, Taylor Gosens made her paralympic debut and is the second woman to represent Australia in judo since Athens 2004.
Eithen Leard
Event: Wheelchair Basketball (The Rollers)
Result: 5th place
Games: Debut
As Paris 2024 comes to a close, our commitment to fundraising and supporting athletes and para-athletes continues. Learn more and meet our 2024 AAF-supported athletes and para-athletes here.
The Aussie Athlete Fund is all about breaking down the barriers faced by our emerging elite athletes by providing access to funding, fundraising education and mentoring support – easing the burden an athlete faces once selected to represent Australia.
Join us in our mission to turn Green into Gold and create a sustainable athlete economy. Follow along on our socials or make a tax-deductible donation here.
Disclaimer: Aussie Athlete Fund tm is not affiliated in any way with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, the Australian Olympic team, the Australian Paralympic team or the Olympic or Paralympic Movement.
