Rising swimming talent Montana Atkinson eyes Paralympic dream
Queensland has unearthed a teenage swimming sensation who is on track to star at the 2032 Brisbane Paralympic Games. Meet the pool prodigy who set seven new state records ahead of the National School Championships.
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Queensland teenager Montana Atkinson was just 12-years-old when she suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and seizure that took her from contact sport and into the pool.
At the time, Atkinson played football and hockey but had been swimming since she was a baby at 12 weeks old.
Last month the 17-year-old Foxwell State Secondary College student went to new heights, winning nine from nine gold medals at the Queensland Representative School Sport titles as well as breaking seven record times.
It was in the pool undergoing her recovery when Atkinson re-found her passion for swimming, later receiving her S14 classification.
S14 swimmers have an intellectual impairment, which typically leads to the athletes having difficulties with regards to pattern recognition, sequencing, and memory, or having a slower reaction time, which impact on sport performance in general.
Atkinson’s astonishing multi-class record times included 34.07 in 50m backstroke, 1.10.34 in 100m butterfly, 1.26.21 in 100m breaststroke, 2.22.35 in 200m freestyle, 31.40 in 50m butterfly, 39.93 in 50m breaststroke and 2.45.40 in 200m individual medley.
“After my first gold it was just a wave of emotion,” she said.
“I was happy, shocked, maybe even a bit of disbelief but all I could think was, ‘this is why I never gave up.’”
“To walk away with nine golds it didn’t feel real at first.
“I just kept reminding myself about how far I’ve come, all the hours in the pool, the setbacks, the emotions and the grind as this was the reward.
“It wasn’t just about medals, it was proof that I can chase big dreams and I’m only just getting started.”
The rising talent followed up her efforts at the Age and Open National Championships.
Atkinson walked away with one gold medal and two bronze from her three events at the Age Champs as well as a bronze medal at the Open Champs.
Atkinson will be a heavyweight chance to continue her impressive form at the School Sport National Titles in July in Brisbane.
“I’m aiming to give my best across all nine of my events,” she said.
“My main goals are to improve on my personal bests, stay consistent under pressure and represent my school state with pride.
“I also want to enjoy the experience, learn from each race, and keep building towards my bigger goals in the sport.”
Those goals include a dream to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games.
“Brisbane 2032 might seem far off, but for me it’s the kind of long-term goal that fuels the fire every single day,” She said.
“Brisbane 2032 isn’t just a dream, it’s a target I’ve got my eyes on.
“Every session, every race, every setback and comeback is part of that bigger journey.
“I know the road won’t be easy, but representing Australia at a home Games would be the ultimate victory.”
NEW QUEENSLAND SCHOOL RECORDS
Finn Morton Boys 16yrs 50m Freestyle 23.46 beating Cameron McEvoy’s time of 23.86 set in 2010.
Cohen Tarrant Boys 15yrs 100m Breaststroke 1.05.73 beating Sebastian Leavy’s time of 1.05.93 set in 2016.
Olympia Pope Girls 17-19yrs 100m Breaststroke 1.09.98 beating Julia Remington’s time of 1.10.44 set in 2024.
Montana Atkinson Girls 16-19yrs Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke 1.26.21 beating her previous time of 1.31.43 set in 2025.
Bryce Krause Boys 15yrs 50m Backstroke 26.93 beating Tom Hauck’s time of 27.34 set in 2018.
Montana Atkinson Girls 16-19yrs Multi-Class 50m Backstroke 34.07 beating her previous time of 34.72 set in 2025.
Montana Atkinson Girls 16-19yrs Multi-Class 100m Butterfly 1.10.34 beating her previous time of 1.10.40 set in 2025.
Montana Atkinson Girls 16-19yrs Multi-Class 200m Freestyle 2.22.35 beating her previous time of 2.22.78 set in 2025.
Olivia Hine Girls 17-19yrs 50m Butterfly 27.22 beating Olivia Borg’s time of 27.65 set in 2018.
Montana Atkinson Girls 16-19yrs Multi-Class 50m Butterfly 31.40 beating her previous time of 33.73 set in 2025.
Cohen Tarrant Boys 15yrs 50m Breaststroke 29.93 beating Sebastian Leavy’s time of 30.56 set in 2016.
Andrew Callum Boys 16-19yrs Multi-Class 50m Breaststroke 34.06 beating his previous time of 35.34 set in 2025.
Montana Atkinson Girls 16-19yrs Multi-Class 50m Breaststroke 39.93 beating her previous time of 40.11 set in 2025.
Julian Angus Boys 16yrs 200m Butterfly 2.05.16 beating Kayden Gibson’s time of 2.05.71 set in 2024.
Amelie Smith Girls 17-19yrs 400 Individual Medley 4.48.22 beating Taryn Roberts’ time of 4.51.85 set in 2023.
Finn Morton Boys 16yrs 100m Freestyle 51.67 beating William Shepherd-Smith’s time of 51.72 set in 2023.
Ryan Bambach Boys 17-19yrs 200 Individual Medley 2.07.52 beating Karl Albertyn’s time of 2.07.52 set in 2023.
Lulu Kirk Girls 13-15yrs Multi-Class 50m Backstroke 36.01 beating Holly Warn’s time of 36.87 set in 2023.
Montana Atkinson Girls 16-19yrs Multi-Class 200m Individual Medley 2.44.98 beating her previous time of 2.45.40 set in 2025.
Originally published as Rising swimming talent Montana Atkinson eyes Paralympic dream
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