Patterson’s busy Rio schedule
Funkita F-Teamer Lucky is off to Rio!
For Funkita F-Teamer Lucky Patterson, her disability empowers her to show the world that anything is possible. Initially motivated to swim to stretch her muscles and experience pain-free days without pain killers, Lucky can hardly believe that her swimming journey will take her to Rio where she will compete in five events.
"I am really excited. I have been working really hard and it has most definitely paid off. My dream to represent Australia in Rio is about to come true. It is an honour to wear the Australian uniform, and a reward for my dedication and commitment," Lucky says.
17-year-old Lucky has cerebral palsy, early-onset Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and micrographia and finds that swimming helps to relax her muscles.
Lucky's journey to Rio has been picking up speed since she competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasglow, Scotland where she won bronze in the S8 100m freestyle. At the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships (also in Glasgow) she won gold in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay, silver in the 50m freestyle and 4 x 100m medley relay, as well as a bronze in the 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle - all in the S8 classification.
Lucky has been relentless in pursuing her dream at the Lawnton Swim Club regardless of the opinions of others, even medical experts.
"Having specialists always tell me that it is impossible to do better or push my body further, inspires me to prove them wrong. These are the elements that become my fuel. Pushing my body to its limit never seems to be enough. I never use the word can't, instead I use the word 'try'. This gives me the power to determine if any changes will work or not."
Once Lucky has finished her swimming events in Rio, she can't wait to explore.
"It is the party capital of the world! It will be so bright and colourful, and a happy place with all the great music and food. I can't wait to have a Brazilian BBQ!"
We at Funkita think Lucky is an inspiration and we cannot wait to watch her race!