While the Paris 2024 Olympic Games may have dominated social media throughout July, the sporting fun in Paris is far from over, with the Paralympic Games set to commence on August 28, 2024.
Behind the record-breaking performances and heartwarming medal moments, TikTok has become a hub for some of the nation’s biggest sporting stars to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life as a Paralympic athlete, with videos covering training sessions, Paralympic village tours, and everything in between.
“Each Paralympian has broken down barriers to make it to Paris, and TikTok is a proven and powerful platform for our Para-athletes to share their personal stories and incredible determination with their fans,” shared Geoff Quinlan, Executive Lead of Paralympic Australia.
With over 8.5 million Aussies on the platform, Australia’s Paralympic team are not just competing – they’re connecting, inspiring, and educating users by providing a candid insight into their journey to becoming the nation’s top sporting stars, while also sharing a few laughs along the way.
As the team gear up for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, scroll down to meet the six Australian Paralympians making waves on TikTok.
Alexa Leary | @lexleary
Australian swimming star Alexa Leary is a rising star in Paralympic swimming, preparing for her debut at the Paris 2024 Games.
Known best for her #MoveforLex initiative, the 23-year-old has continued to raise valuable awareness for survivors of traumatic brain injuries – inspiring others to “get out, get moving – do it for those who can’t.”
Outside of the pool, Leary’s TikTok showcases the latest TikTok trends and behind-the-scenes training moments, making her a star to watch in the pool this Paralympics.
Rhiannon Clarke | @rhiannon.clarke_
From the running track to the classroom, Rhiannon Clarke is a 100m and 400m T38 sprinting star, who regularly takes to TikTok to share a candid insight into her day-to-day juggle between rigorous training and full-time university study.
Her emotional reaction to a hometown mural celebrating her achievements captivated audiences earlier this year, earning over 112k views, with the rest of her TikTok sharing a mix of training highlights, personal reflections, and behind-the-scenes footage.
Follow Rhiannon on TikTok here.
Jarryd Clifford | @jarydclifford
With three Paralympic medals already in his collection, 1500m and 5000m runner Jarryd Clifford first captured Australia’s attention with his formidable performance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
From securing his title as visually impaired marathon world record holder to preparing for his third Paralympic Games in the green and gold, Clifford’s TikTok has become a behind-the-scenes hub for his training journey.
Col Pearse | @col_pearse
Paralympic swimmer Col Pearse, a standout performer from Tokyo, has his sights set on transforming his Paralympic bronze to gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Loved by fans for his humourous content and behind-the-scenes action, his TikTok is not only entertaining but also educational – reflecting his motivational mantra, “Determination knows no limits.”
Grant Patterson | @grantscooterpatterson
While he may have become widely known for his trademark non-motorised scooter, legendary swimmer Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson is loved on TikTok for his humorous take on farm life and his training regimen.
Never afraid to inject a bit of fun into his social media, Scooter is regularly featured on the @ausparalympics account and with his sights set on taking the top step of the podium at his fourth Paralympic Games,
Angus Hincksman | @angushincksman
Middle-distance runner Angus Hincksman may be making waves on the track as the 2023 World Para Athletics Championship bronze medalist, but on TikTok, the Aussie running star also regularly features his finest dance moves.
When he’s not trying his hand at the latest dance trend, Hincksman also frequently shares a humorous insight into his training schedule.
