Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

O’Hanlon takes gold in record time

Joint Media Release with:

  • Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Minister for Disability Reform
  • Senator Kate Lundy, Minister for Sport, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation

Minister for Disability Reform Jenny Macklin, Minister for Sport Kate Lundy and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Jan McLucas today congratulated Evan O’Hanlon on winning the men’s 200m T38 final to claim his second gold medal of the London Games.

Evan bolted off the blocks to snatch gold and clinch the Paralympic sprint double title – gold in both the 100m and 200m finals.

Evan chased down the record in the finals race – clocking a new world record time of 21.82 to seal victory in the 200m and defend his title as reigning Paralympic champion.

Finishing more than 0.69 seconds in front of Russian Dyan Buis, Evan completed his successful Games bid with a clean sweep – two gold medals and two new world records in two events.

Evan’s feat at the Games is a remarkable accomplishment and a credit to his talent and years of training.

The Gillard Government is working towards a future where all Australian children and adults with disability lead lives of dignity and opportunity.

We are providing $1 billion to deliver the first stage of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to provide Australians with a disability the care and support they need, when they need it.

The Australian Government has also provided strong funding to support our Paralympic Team, committing over $13.7 million in 2011-12 for the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) and $2.7 million in Direct Athlete Support (DAS) to help Australia’s Paralympic athletes reach their potential.