Funkita Para Swimmers Shine in Tokyo
Lucky Patterson added another Gold to her Paralympic medal tally in Tokyo.
The Tokyo Paralympic Games may be over but the success of our four Funkita Paralympians is still fresh in our minds. Lakeisha Patterson, Tiffany Thomas Kane, Katja Dedekind and Isabella Vincent have recently returned to Australia, each with medals to show. For Vincent it was her maiden Games, while the other ladies featured at their second Paralympics.
"Paris 2024 seems very attainable" Lucky has her eyes on the next big prize!
It was déj' vu for Lakeisha 'Lucky' Patterson in Tokyo, who claimed Gold in the Women's S9 400 Freestyle on night one. In Rio the Funkita superstar claimed a bag of medals including Gold in the S8 400 Freestyle, which was also on night one. 'After the initial anticipation subsided and I saw how I went, sheer shock, relief and joy were all emotions that overcame me,' Lucky said. 'I was completely stoked after my race, as I left it all in the pool.' It was a grueling road to the Games for Lucky and the athletes, and for Patterson it was a true privilege to don the Green and Gold once again. The champ has faced some health challenges in the past 18-months, which only adds to the feat of her incredible achievements in Tokyo. 'Paris 2024 seems very attainable, and before that we have the Commonwealth Games and World Championships next year.'
Having battled injury in the lead up to Tokyo, Tiffany Thomas Kane was thrilled with her IM performance.
Tiffany Thomas Kane is a household name among Paralympic athletes. The 20-year-old solidified her name and added to her international medal haul in Tokyo. Tiff collected Bronze in both the SM7 200 Individual Medley and SB7 100 Breaststroke at her second Games, and like many others rode a rollercoaster of emotions leading into Tokyo. 'I was so happy with the IM which was the best swim I have ever done, however in the breaststroke I didn't execute the race plan I wanted. I am still so happy with two podium performances for Australia.' It was a long road for Thomas Kane who in fact ruptured her liver at the beginning of the year. This meant significant time out of the water, among other challenges.
Katja came away from Tokyo with two medals and a lifetime of memories.
Dedekind repeated her Rio 2016 Bronze medal performance in the Women's S13 100 Backstroke in Tokyo. This time, however, Dedekind made her way to the medal dais a second time, also winning Bronze in the Women's S13 400 Freestyle. Katja was shocked and amazed by her performance and never takes being an Australian Dolphin and Paralympian for granted. 'I really enjoyed being able to expand my family, not just in the swimming community, but from other sports too. 'It was amazing that the Games went ahead, and the biggest challenge was the uncertainty of whether they were actually going to happen.' Dedekind kept her nose to the grindstone regardless of external factors and shows no signs of slowing. 'Next are the Commonwealth Games and World Championships in 2022.'
15-year-old Vincent was on international debut in Tokyo and well and truly rose to the challenge. The youngest Australian swimmer to compete at these Games, Izzy was a critical component of both 34-point Women's Relay Teams. In the 34-point 4x100 Freestyle Relay, Vincent was joined by Ellie Cole, Ashleigh McConnell and Emily Beecroft to claim the Silver medal. The 4x100 Medley Relay was equally as exciting as the Australian quartet, with Keira Stephens replacing Ashleigh McConnell, won the Bronze.
The performances and class of these Funkita athletes are a testament to the true challenges and rigors they endure to become champions. Pride is simply an understatement, and it will be exciting to see what comes next for this incredible four as they set their sights on Paris 2024.
Go Funkettes!