Sport legend Louise Sauvage says award a “breakthrough for athletes with disability’’
She was one of the most ferocious athletes on a racetrack to pull on an Australian uniform. Now Louise Sauvage has another passion.
Northern District Times
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Paralympic legend Louise Sauvage no longer competes on the world stage but she’s still creating waves in sport.
The Ryde athlete is the first Paralympian to be bestowed with one of sport’s great honours — elevated to legend status within the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and came a year after Kurt Fearnley was the first athlete with a disability to win The Don.
“It was massive. Just to be in that company is huge. I was very honoured,” said wheelchair racer Sauvage, who joined the likes of Shane Gould, Donald Bradman, Sir Jack Brabham, Cathy Freeman and Susie O’Neill as a legend.
“It’s a breakthrough for athletes with disability.”
The nine-time Paralympic gold medallist is using the spotlight of the award to press for further change in public perception around athletes with a disability.
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“I want athletes with disability to simply be seen as athletes first. Athletes that just happen to have a disability,” said Sauvage, who does believe perceptions are changing, just not quickly enough.
“I think in the past people haven’t seen us as real athletes.
“I find a lot of media dwell on the disability and how brave and inspirational they are.
“But how about strong, tough, competitive.
“We are not shying away from the disability, because of it I have done what I have done.
“We just want to be recognised as athletes first.”
Now a coach with the NSW Institute of Sport, Sauvage is guiding wheelchair star Madi de Rozario and others at the upcoming world championships in Dubai from November 7-15.
While a long time retired, Sauvage admits she still misses elite competition.
“I tell Madison I am living my life with her. I love competitions. I do miss it,’’ said Sauvage, born with a severe congenital spinal condition and who stays fit by riding a hand cycle.
“But to be part of someone else’s journey is a real buzz though.’’
De Rozario will race the 800m 1500m and 5000 in Dubai.
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