Jeremy McGrath never gave up on his Paralympic dream and now he’s off to Rio

When rower Jeremy McGrath missed out on his first opportunity to become a Paralympian, he knew straight away he wouldn’t let his second chance pass him by.

Arden alumni Jeremy McGrath has qualified for the Paralympics in the Legs, Trunk and Arms Mixed Coxed Four class. Picture: Daniel Aarons

When rower Jeremy McGrath missed out on his first opportunity to become a Paralympian, he knew straight away he wouldn’t let his second chance pass him by.

“At last year’s world championships there were eight Paralympic spots up for grabs out of 12 and we narrowly missed out, coming ninth,” the 22 year-old said.

“Being able to come back this year and not only qualify but also win the international para regatta ... was unreal. I felt such relief and a sense of redemption.”

Jeremy only started rowing in 2012 after being inspired by the London Paralympics. Picture: Daniel Aarons

McGrath and his team mates Brock Ingram, Davinia Lefroy and Kathleen Murdoch alongside Coxswain Jo Burnand made history at the qualification meet in Italy in April as they became the first Australian team to qualify for the Paralympics in the Legs, Trunk and Arms Mixed Coxed Four class.

An Arden Anglican School alumni who graduated in 2012, McGrath was born without his tibia and made the decision to amputate his right leg below the knee when he was 16 in order to use a more streamlined prosthesis.

ROWING TO ROTTERDAM

FROM KINGS TO CLIPPERS

After joining the Macquarie University rowing team, McGrath quickly discovered his talent for the sport and within just two years he was representing Australia at the 2014 world championships.

Pictured (from left to right) are McGrath’s teammates for Rio: Brock Ingram, Davinia Lefroy and Kathleen Murdoch with Coxswain Jo Burnand (on far right).

McGrath is also an occupational therapy student at Sydney University.

He hopes to one day help other disabled people find a love of sport.

“I am ... looking forward to finishing my course and beginning work,” he said.

“I would like to work within disability and try to get people to participate in sport and recreational activities.”

Originally published as Jeremy McGrath never gave up on his Paralympic dream and now he’s off to Rio