Hall gets gold and sinks world record

Minister for Disability Reform Jenny Macklin, Minister for Sport Kate Lundy and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Jan McLucas today congratulated swimmer Brenden Hall on winning the men’s 400m freestyle S9 final.

Brenden streaked ahead of his competitors in the final to claim victory and secure his first Paralympic gold medal.

Entering the race as the current world record holder, Brenden shaved over four seconds off his own world mark to finish in first place – more than seven seconds ahead of silver medallist Tamas Sors from Hungary.

Diving off the blocks, Brenden was in command from the start of the race chasing down the world record at each turn in the pool to sprint home for gold.

Brenden is hearing impaired and had his right leg was amputated as a child after he contracted a bout of chicken pox.

His terrific performance is well deserved and a credit to his drive, perseverance and dedication to swimming and realising his potential.

Brenden is a rising star on the swim team and is still yet to compete in the 100m freestyle and medley relay events.

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.