Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

Watt walks away with gold

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 Prue Watt on winning gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke SB13 final at the London Paralympics.

Prue powered home to claim victory ahead of Germany’s Elena Krawzow – clocking a new oceanic record in a time of 1:19.19.

The vision impaired swimmer picked up gold in the pool on the final day of the Paralympic meet to top off her London bid and add to her bronze medal in the women’s 50m freestyle S13 final.

As a veteran our of Paralympic team, Prue is an accomplished medallist but gold had eluded her until now.

It is a credit to Prue’s drive and determination that she was able to claim victory on the final day of the Paralympic swim meet and pick up the prized gold she was chasing.

Prue has done us all proud on the Paralympic stage to win gold in her final race and her gutsy performance is an inspiration to all Australians.

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.